Racecourse Road from Upton Road to Rolleston, the old railway track, has been barred and gated by Southwell Racecourse.

The road was gated to prevent cars using it, on non-race days. But it was always available for cyclists and walkers. Now the road has been barred to everyone.

A Facebook Page opposing the measure has already been set up by a local resident

I will raise this as soon as I can. The path, whilst not on the definitive map for footpaths, has been used for over 20 years by walkers and cyclists. When I am travelling by train from Rolleston, I regularly use this pathway as a safe and flat route to the station.

Please add your name to this campaign. If you have any information to add please mail me at SouthwellFocus@gmail.com

Update Mar 20

I have contacted both the Rights of Way officer and Definitive Map Officer at County Council. Sadly, despite suggestions made to the contrary, this has been their first contact with a Councillor – although a number of local residents have been in touch!

The County Council has made a positive response – and are now looking at making the path a public bridleway. We may need to prove regular use for over twenty years – so we will be collecting evidence in order to prove this. If you have a statement please contact me direct by mailing southwellfocus@gmail.com or use the link on the right hand side.

Further update Mar 23

The County Council do not seem to understand the importance of this matter. I have asked for information on the Racecourse Road from them, but they say that they do not know what we are asking about! I have tried to clarify – what else do they need to know before they will release the information. Perhaps the County Council has something to hide?

New update Apr 11

The Racecourse Company are intransigent. They are not budging and will not allow walkers and cyclists to use the length of the road as before. So we are having to use a legal process known as a Modification Order to get the path classed as a Bridleway. We have to prove access by residents for a number of years.

We are collecting evidence and there are forms available to download and complete. 70+ residents have already received these forms and are filling them in and returning them to the Town Council’s office at The Old Court House, The Burgage.