WALKERS can now use a woodland path in Staincross 'without fear or intimidation', after an independent inspector recommended it be adopted as an official right of way.
A public inquiry was held by Wakefield council as the culmination of a four-year dispute between a landowner and walkers over the official status of two footpaths - one at Woodhouse Lane running through Wheatley Woods and another between Woodhouse and Warren Lane.
Jane Markey, of Mapplewell, made the application in 2005 for the Wheatley Woods path to be adopted and was anxious to see if her hard work had paid off.
She said:" I spent a lot of time gathering evidence from 52 local people and I knew nothing about public inquiries. It goes to show anyone can make a difference if you persevere." Full story in this week's Darton and District edition.
