When the steps leading from Cordwainer close to the adjacent nature reserve were closed earlier in the year it was expected to be temporary but after recent developments this is now set to be permanent.When St Edmundsbury Borough Council who manage the Risbridge Nature Reserve created the steps from Cordwainer close to the reserve it quickly became a popular route for walkers within the village. This was until last summer when a member of the public tripped whilst coming down the steps and made a complaint against the borough. St Edmundsbury closed the steps with the stated aim of making alterations to make them safer, however whilst planning this work it became apparent that the land at the top of steps which must be crossed to reach them was no longer owned by St Edmundsbury council but by a resident of Cordwainer Close who had bought the land from them.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council entered in to conversations with the new owner of the land with the aim of returning it to public ownership so they could rebuild the steps a new, however negotiations came to an end with the current owner of the land refusing to sell sighting as his reason as arguments he had had with people crossing his land trying to access the cordoned off steps in which he claimed offensive and threatening language was used against him and his wife.
St Edmundsbury are currently considering plans to open another route to the reserve from a spur of Risbridge Drive however the proximity of this to the main entrance has lead some to question weather it would be worth the effort.
Article by M.P.Upton - 16/12/9
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