Residents 'bemused' after popular path through Celtic Manor is blocked off by security gates

And the £2 million footbridge near part of the golf course built for the Ryder Cup in 2010 could be closed off permanently it has been revealed.

This has prompted a backlash from residents, councillors and the civic society in Caerleon, with the application to revoke access receiving more than 100 objections.

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

Caerleon councillor Jason Hughes said: “People, including myself are bemused as to why such a popular amenity, which has been available for many years without incident, and provides benefit to hundreds of people and our community as a whole, has been so suddenly removed.”

The path is the only way to cross the River Usk between Usk Road and Bulmore Road without having to go through Caerleon village.

Use of the path by the public is permissive – meaning it is allowed and controlled by the resort – though it does not have same rights of way as a public footpath.

An aerial view of the path with the footbridge bottom left. Pic: Google

The Celtic Manor says there were 12 ‘security incidents’ or unauthorised entries in the past year, with a golf tournament having to be suspended on one occasion due to disruption.

Public safety concerns have also been raised given the path’s proximity to a driving range, though objectors say this does not face the path.

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Reports of antisocial behaviour have also been disputed, with users describing the path as a safe and scenic route for walkers, cyclists and runners belonging to the Caerleon Running Club.

Another Caerleon councillor, Gail Giles, added: “The path and bridge have been available to the community for over eight years, as far as I am aware, without any adverse effects or issues.”

Caerleon Gail Giles is one of 102 objectors to the Celtic Manor's plans

The resort had planned for the path to link with the wider Sustrans cycling network, though these ambitions were abandoned after the new course received planning permission in 2001.

No legal agreement was signed between the resort and Newport City Council which said the permissive route should always be kept available for the public.

In 2014, the Celtic Manor told the council that they did not intend for the path to be dedicated as a public right of way.

A report to the council’s planning committee describes the effect of the bridge closure as “regrettable” but says there is no robust reason to refuse the application.

The committee will discuss the matter on April 3.