Celtic Manor Resort path to close for security and safety reasons

Gates have been installed either side of the £2 million footbridge over the River Usk, which was opened in 2010 for the Ryder Cup golf tournament.

Objectors say closing the path is punishing those who use it in a respectful way, though the resort fears its proximity to a driving range is an “accident waiting to happen”.

Newport planning chiefs were also told the permissive path, which is not a public footpath and is controlled by the resort, would remain closed whether they backed the decision or not.

The £2 million footbridge was opened by then-first minister Carwyn Jones in 2010

A meeting heard that closing the route was necessary in the interest of security and the health and safety of Celtic Manor staff and the public.

Russell Phillips, vice president of facilities and development at the resort, said people crossing the bridge were at risk of being hit by wayward golf balls.

He told Newport council’s planning committee on May 1: “Amateur players only need to slightly hit the ball left or right and they’ll be peppering that area with balls.

The driving range referred to by Russell Phillips, with the footbridge pictured bottom left

“The installation of these gates is not the Celtic Manor trying to be difficult but a direct response to the current situation which is very unsafe, and an accident waiting to happen.”

Security incidents, including reports of antisocial behaviour and criminal damage, have also informed the decision to close off the footbridge.

With the path providing the only pedestrian access between Usk Road and Bulmore Road without going through Caerleon, the move has prompted backlash in the village.

Councillor Gail Giles was unaware of any adverse incidents relating to the footpath and said the decision had caused “considerable distress”.

Councillor Gail Giles

“It is a highly valued amenity which has been treated with respect,” added Cllr Giles.

Fellow Caerleon councillor Joan Watkins said: “This permissive right has been in place for a considerable amount of time and has been a big benefit to the health and wellbeing of many people."

Despite more than 100 objections the planning committee agreed to the resort’s discharge of conditions relating to the permissive path.

Councillor Miqdad Al-Nuaimi asked if there was a better say to resolve the issue, adding: “You’re punishing everyone here for the transgression of a few.”

Planning officers said the permissive path was proposed by the resort and had no bearing on the Ryder Cup footbridge and golf course gaining planning permission in 2001.

But no legal agreement was signed between the Celtic Manor and council to say the route should stay open to the public, with the resort ruling out making the path a public right of way in 2014.