STANLEY HALL PATH DISPUTE UNRESOLVED

THERE is no reason why the footpath at Stanley Hall Farm, Cheadle, should not go around instead of through the premises, Greater Manchester Highways Committee decided on Thursday.

The Peak and Northern Footpaths Society, fearing that a fence would be built to screen the 17th-century hall from the public, objected to diversion, but Cheadle representative, Councillor Charles Penney, said that as the farm was a listed building he had no objection to the path being re-routed.

The present footpath, said to be at least 313 years old, goes through the farm buildings allowing the public a good view of the property.

Mr. Donald Lee, the society's closure and diversion secretary, said that the objection to the diversion would not be withdrawn and the society would be willing to take the matter to a public inquiry.

“We can get no assurance that a fence will not be built round the property and we are determined to make a stand. It is European Architectural Heritage Year which makes it even more ridiculous that the diversion should be allowed” he said.

A grant of up to £4,000 is being made by Greater Manchester Council to restore the hall which, Mr. Lee said, was all the more reason why the public should have visual access.

Mr. M. Halimi, the owner of the property, said he had no intention of building a fence round the path which would restrict the public from seeing the farm. He may, however, consider using barbed wire to divide his property from the path.