TEIGNMOUTH residents are rallying together to save a short cut that has been locked off by developers of a block of 11 luxury apartments in First Drive. Residents claim that there has been a public right of way along the private road and through the grounds of Eastburn House for the best part of a century. But the route has been inaccessible since Tiverton-based Devonshire Homes started work on the site of the former Victorian villa more than a year ago. Now a padlocked gate has been erected to stop people walking though. Devon County Council has applied to designate the route, including a two-metre wide strip through the grounds of the development, a public right of way because of its historic use. Dozens of people who recall making unchallenged use of the route for decades have made representations to the council. Dawlish Road resident David Sharp has used the route since 1954, while others have used it for even longer. Mr Sharp said: 'I remember using it as a little boy when we came down on holidays and later by my own family and children. I have also used it regularly since we moved here five years ago. 'As far as I can remember it has always been a right of way,' he said. Town councillor Sylvia Russell said that she was delighted that Devon County Council was moving to protect the historic right. 'The padlocked gate has been taken by some as a final gesture by the developer and I am really pleased that the county council is dealing with the situation.' County Cllr Chris Bray said: 'I am really pleased that the county council is acknowledging the rights of residents that use the footpath and have done so for decades.' Jane Cumbley, spokesman for the Resident's Association of nearby Second Drive, said that people use the route as a circuit from Second Drive, along the East Cliff coastal footpath, into First Drive and along Dawlish Road. 'It has really been missed while work has gone on there and we are looking forward to it being reinstated. 'All residents will be writing individually to make our case that that route has been used for decades and it is a public right of way,' she said. The town council will consider the order at its meeting on February 21. Representations should be made to the county environment director at Devon County Council. Devonshire Homes Ltd was unavailable for comment at time of going to press.
