Cornwall Council says it is working with police after receiving reports that a landowner had blocked a public footpath using bales and a van.

The Bissoe trail has been blocked off at three separate points at Carharrack, with the landowner claiming it is to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

However the council’s countryside access team said that it would be working with police to resolve the issue.

A member of the public contacted the Local Democracy Reporting Service after finding the path blocked.

They said: “I found that the farmer had blocked off the Bissoe Trail at three different points – they have parked a van across it at one point and put bales in front of the gates at the others.

“It is completely blocked, you can’t get through there. It is a pain in the neck for me, I work at Treliske and run to work using the trail every day. Now I have to use the road for a mile or more instead of using the trail.

“It is really annoying.”

A post was put up on the Carharrack Neighbourhood Watch Team Facebook page by the landowner explaining the decision to close the path.

It read: “For the concern of locals of Carharrack and holidaymakers. The tramway/footpath that runs directly through Chapel Farm has been closed. This is with the best interests of everyone with regards to the covid-19 pandemic. Please refrain from climbing over, trying to walk and overall usage of the walkway. It will be reopened when safe to do so. Please respect our farm and our family. Social distancing is serious. Thank you for your understanding and hopefully cooperation.”

Cornwall Council’s countryside access team said in a statement: “We are aware of obstructions on part of the Engine House Trail just outside of Carharrack.  We are working with the Police to resolve this issue.”

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