Campaign to reopen Newquay coast path to feature on national TV

Newquay's MP has backed a campaign to reopen a disputed section of coast path in Newquay as campaigners prepare to have their fight featured on national television.

The Glendorgal Coast Path group, which is calling for the route between Lusty Glaze, through Glendorgal Headland to Porth to be reopened, will appear on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Friday, just days after its campaign received national press coverage.

The group was set up by Matthew Kennedy-Smith, who is encouraging people to support efforts to have the route secured as a public right of way.

Campaigners recently held an event to gather evidence from people who have used the path, as part of an application to Cornwall Council for a Definitive Map Modification Order, known as a DMMO.

Mr Kennedy-Smith said more than 120 people had submitted evidence forms.

He said: "Anybody who'd used the Glendorgal Coast Path was asked to fill in a user evidence form.

"It was quite a lengthy form where people would fill in why they used it, when they used it, and so forth. There was also an attached map, and they got to draw on the map the route they took."

Mr Kennedy-Smith said the group believes the route qualifies for a Definitive Map Modification Order because it has been used by the public for decades. The Open Spaces Society says a right of way may be established where a route has been used openly, without permission or force, and without challenge from the landowner for at least 20 years. If a DMMO is granted, the route is formally recorded as a public right of way.

The route is currently blocked by a metal gate with a sign stating there is no public right of way.

Newquay MP - Noah Law has written to Cornwall Council supporting the application. He said: "Glendorgal Headland is a treasured part of our coastline, with generations of local people utilising this path to enjoy the area’s extraordinary natural beauty, connect with loved ones, and support their wellbeing.

The strength of feeling from residents is clear, and I fully support calls for a Definitive Map Modification Order to permanently protect this historic route and preserve public access for future generations. This is a pathway that has been fought for before in the Victorian era, and I stand with residents who are determined to fight for its future again."

A video has also been shared online appearing to show people blocking access to the path, with those challenged saying it was private property.

The campaign comes as redevelopment of the former Glendorgal Hotel in Lusty Glaze Road is due to take place, including the demolition of part of the building and the creation of holiday homes on the site.

Campaigners are encouraging supporters to attend Friday morning's live television broadcast which starts at 6am.

The Newquay Conservation Area group says access to the headland has been disputed before, pointing to an article published in Truth magazine in 1881 following the purchase of the Glendorgal estate by Arthur Pendarves Vivian.

The group said the route later remained in use during the Tangye family's ownership of the estate and became "a well-loved part of Newquay's coastline".

Radio Newquay has been speaking to Matthew Kennedy-Smith from the Glendorgal Coast Path group. Press play to listen...