Rights of way dispute boils over with discovery of “threat”

Police and Caerphilly County Borough Council have launched investigations into blocked public rights of way on Eglwysilan Common.

Access to the common has been prevented at two separate locations – with a gruesome warning at one blockade.

Hikers, horse-riders, mountain bikers and off-road drivers have taken to social media to air their frustrations.

Earlier this month, a particularly gruesome effigy awaited a group of 4×4 enthusiasts who were driving along the mountain road between Pontypridd and Llanbradach.

Described as resembling a scene from a horror film, the drivers from the Bonkas 4×4 Club met a crude scarecrow frame with a severed rams head erected in their way (pictured right). The animal’s testicles also hung from the frame, which was draped with a jacket with the words “Bonkaz 4×4. Who next” sprayed on.

Mike Toseland, from the 4×4 club, told The Times: “It has been an incident-rich battlefield for the past six years or so.

“We have a very good idea who it was, but there was no ‘this was done by so and so’ note on it. We were extremely shocked and the police were extremely interested.”

Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident on the land.

On social media, the Facebook group ‘What is going on around Eglwysilan common’ has encouraged many to share their experiences of obstructions, with examples including mounds of manure blocking gates, large boulders moved, and metal girders concreted into the ground to prevent access.

In April, Plaid Cymru councillors raised concerns over two large girders at the bottom of a footpath from Heol Las, in Penyrheol, up to the common.

Penyrheol councillor, Steve Skivens, said: “There has been a furious reaction from local people on Facebook to these girders being put up.

“This is just the latest problem in this area.

“We’ve had a catalogue of problems in this area over the last few years including dumping, blocking access, noise, pollution and dog nuisance.”

Cllr Lindsay Whittle, who is the Plaid Cymru candidate for Caerphilly in June’s general election, added: “Call me suspicious but it looks like someone wants to gate this public highway off. Heol Las is a public highway and belongs to us.”

Caerphilly County Borough Council removed the girders, and a council spokesperson said: “We are aware of this issue and are currently taking appropriate action.”