FARMER John Snook has told Urchfont villagers he will not re-open a path that was well used by dog walkers as some had abused the right and caused a nuisance.

Mr Snook closed the private path across his land near Cemetery Lane while a grain dryer was built but walkers expected it to open again once the work was complete.

But now the parish council has been told by Mr Snook that the farm road had been abused by some and so it would remain closed. In a letter he said: "The use of our private farm road was enjoyed and appreciated by many people but was also being abused by some which caused us problems.

"We allowed it as a goodwill gesture to the residents of Urchfont but unfortunately some walkers were reluctant to move aside for farm traffic thus causing tractors to come to a standstill and it appeared as if the walkers were doing us a favour in moving aside.

"In addition the grass verges were littered with dog poo which made it unpleasant for tractor drivers should they have to get off their machines.

"The track was also being used on occasion by cyclists, horses and even some cars.”

The parish council has asked villagers to respect the decision and say it hopes it will be reconsidered in the near future.

In 2014 Mr Snook won a long running planning battle to develop a derelict farmyard in the centre of the village when a planning inspector decided he could build 19 homes.

Mr Snook first applied for permission to redevelop Manor Farm Yard, next to the duck pond, in 2002.