Anger is mounting in the seaside village of Polzeath after developers closed a popular footpath without warning.
Plymouth-based ModBox Developments has blocked off a 120ft section of path which residents have used for years.
The closure, which took place on April 4, has sparked fury among locals and visitors to the Cornish village alike.
High gates and barriers have been padlocked across the path - and despite repeated pleas from the community to keep it open, the developer has said no on "health and safety" grounds.
Abigail Harrison, who is leading a campaign to reopen the path, has gathered hundreds of local signatures on a petition.
Despite repeated pleas from the community to keep the footpath open, the developer has said no on 'health and safety' grounds
CHANGE.ORG/ABIGAIL HARRISON
"Paths are precious social connectors for local communities, particularly those under pressure due to people moving away," she said.
She explained that the path has been vital for scout groups, children walking to school buses, and coastguards needing quick access during emergencies.
Since the closure, residents must use the main road past a busy building site where the pavement has disappeared.
"With multiple lorries delivering every day, there is no safe passage for walkers, let alone those pushing buggies, in wheelchairs, or walking with toddlers and dogs," Harrison added.
ModBox's managing director Phil Donoghue defended the closure, claiming the firm had run into issues with rough sleepers, anti-social behaviour, and vandalism.
MORE NEIGHBOUR ROWS:
Locals and visitors have voiced their fury after gates and barriers were padlocked across the path
PA
"It was with great regret we had to restrict access across the Brooklands site," he told CornwallLive.
He explained that after acquiring the land, the company received complaints about drug misuse and "teenage antics" in the area.
Initially, ModBox secured individual buildings rather than closing the path, but windows and doors were broken and criminal activity continued.
The developer then installed safety hoarding, which was vandalised over Easter.
Donoghue described the existing "shanty chalets" as "extremely dangerous" and said the company was "duty bound" under health and safety regulations to secure the site.
The closure has prompted ModBox to accelerate its development plans for the site.
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The company had initially planned to submit an application in early 2026, with work starting later that year or in 2027.
However, Donoghue said this timeline has now been brought forward, with development potentially beginning within the next 12 months.
ModBox will present its proposal for the Brooklands site at the local parish meeting on May 13.
"We are deeply sorry to have upset anyone in the local community," Donoghue said.
He added that alongside complaints, they had "also received thanks for making the area safer and tidier for the community and those on holiday."
