Council faces costly works after court order

CASH-STRAPPED Cyngor Gwynedd will have to spend thousands of pounds to restore a scenic lane after a court order was secured by a 4x4 group.

Part of Cwm Maethlon byway - also known as Happy Valley - has been damaged by storms and vehicle use in recent years.

This saw a Traffic Regulation Order imposed on the lane near Machynlleth to stop vehicles using it. The Green Lane Association - which campaigns to protect vehicle access to the countryside - has been involved in a long-running dispute with Eryri National Park and Cyngor Gwynedd.

They said the organisations failed to take action to repair the route to allow for vehicles access. They served a notice under section 56 of the Highways Act 1980 on Cyngor Gwynedd - which has overall legal responsibility for highways in the area - to compel them to carry out the work.

The group said a court order has now been secured at Llandudno Magistrates Court. They said it was agreed by Cyngor Gwynedd ahead of any potential trial.

The group said the order states that the council must repair the surface of the route and carry out drainage work between two specified points within 12 months so it can once again be enjoyed by all users, including those in vehicles. They said it was also a victory for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

It will mean a hefty bill for the local authority at a time councils are battling to balance their budgets due to spiralling cost increases in sectors like social care.

Cyngor Gwynedd has been asked to comment.

GLA Vice Chairman Chris Mitchell said: “This is a great result for everyone who wants to access our countryside in a responsible way without encountering accessibility problems.

“We would have muchpreferred to work with the national park authority and the local authority to help carry out repair works but, unfortunately, despite efforts to arrange this, it was not possible. Taking legal action was a last resort and we are pleased so many users will now be able to enjoy the beauty of the route again, as is their right.

“The GLA is reminding its members, and other users, that they are expected to comply strictly with the GLA code of conduct when using the route.”