Family ordered to tear down giant metal gate blocking popular path after battle with villagers sparked huge protest
A WEALTHY family has been ordered to tear down giant metal gates they installed to block access to a beauty spot after a battle with villagers.
Neighbours were incensed when the eyesore gates were erected and 24/7 security guards hired to block the mountain path in Cwmparc, Rhondda Valley, South Wales.
The gates sprung up along a route that locals have used for decades, but which was never a designated right of way, sparking passionate protests.
Council chiefs have now announced they intend to serve a legal notice calling for the removal of the gates.
The move comes after the British Mountaineering Council called for the access to the forestry to be reopened.
The defeated family have claimed the gates were a measure to protect their children's safety after they had "been abused" since moving in to the home last year.
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They moved into the property known locally as “The James Bond House”, which stands at the foot of Cwmparc Mountain.
When the gates appeared, locals immediately banded together to protest against against them.
The metal structure blocked off the route through the private land to a much-loved "mountain paradise".
A protest against the gates attracted a 70-strong crowd braving driving rain and a petition was launched which was supported by politicians.
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Round-the-clock security guards and two CCTV cameras which would record any passersby then appeared at the gate.
The new owners, named locally as Laura and Adam Drew, incensed locals further by putting up a sign saying “no unauthorised access” - and made it look like an official forestry sign.
The family explained why they installed the gates: "Our home and family were being subjected to illegal parking, dangerous driving, out-of-control dogs, dog-fouling, people urinating, aggression, theft, drugs, and air rifles.
"The issues continued including torches being shone through the children’s bedroom at night. A decision was made that we needed to put security gates at our home to keep our children safe."
There were threats to rip the gates out with pick-up trucks and a social media campaign against them gathered steam.
The mountain access row - known jokingly as Gategate - was eventually taken up by Rhondda MP Chris Bryant and local Senedd Member Buffy Williams.
Neighbour David Williams, 49, who organised the protest, said: "The road has been used for access and enjoyment for 80 years I would say, if not longer. It will be awful if people can't use it anymore."
A BMC spokesman said: "For generations, this path has linked the village with surrounding woodlands and mountain trails, serving as a crucial route for recreation, mental well-being, and active travel.
"Now, a petition is underway to restore public access and safeguard the track for the future generations to come.
"The community was shocked when large gates were erected to block the pathway, despite its historical use."
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council says it hopes the homeowner will tear down the structure before the "next level" of enforcement action.
Council Leader Andrew Morgan said: "Based on the legal advice I have received from council officers, I today signed a Delegated Decision Order concerning the removal the gates at the entrance to Cwmparc forestry.
"Following this decision, I hope that we, as a council, can work with owner of the property where the gates are located for them to be removed without having to move to the next level of enforcement action.
"We recognise that there is strong community feeling around this issue and, now that the council has gathered all of the legal information and taken the time to review all of the facts and evidence available, the council believes that there are strong legal grounds to order the removal of the gates and we ask that residents bear with us while the legal order is now served.
"Further updates will be issued from the council as appropriate."
David Powell, 53, who lives just 200 yards away, previously said: “There’s a fella threatening to use his pick-up truck to attach some chains to the gates and pull them down.
“I hope it doesn’t come to that, but feelings are running high and people feel their right to walk up the mountain has been stopped.
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“I’ve used that path all my life, I go up there to look at the Peregrine falcons, buzzards and red kites.
“It’s a mountain paradise that the locals have used as far back as anyone can remember.”
