Residents stymied by blocking of access pathway

Central Coast Council is set to investigate the legality of a steel fence erected on privately-owned land which cuts off pedestrian access between the Worrell Park housing estate and the Pacific Hwy at Wyoming.

Residents who have been using the Council-maintained pathway for 20 years to access shops and bus stop on the main thoroughfare via a carpark were astounded to find the steel fence erected without warning recently.

Patrick Griffin, who lives in the housing estate, said the footpath was used by many residents, particularly those who are elderly and rely on public transport or frequent nearby amenities.

“The only alternative is a much longer walk via Jarrett St and Pemell St to reach the Pacific Hwy, or a detour through the small unlight footpath that exits near Aldi,” he said.

“As an 80-year-old with a disability I, along with many other elderly residents, have grown accustomed to using this convenient pathway for easy access to the bus stop and surrounding shops.

“At present I precariously attempt to exit via a hole in an adjacent fence.”

Griffin said he had been informed the pathway was originally planned as an emergency entry/exit to Worrell Park, which comprises more than 60 homes and has only one road in and out.

“It is possible that there is an easement associated with the pathway, given that it has a Council-laid concrete surface, a dropped kerb and two bollards that may be removed for access and is, on occasions, serviced by the council,” he said.

Griffin said he had been told the fence was installed due to issues with vandalism and antisocial behaviour from youths accessing the carpark from the housing estate, which he said he had personally not experienced.

He said a gate had been erected at the exit of the carpark on the Pacific Hwy, which is open during the day and locked at 11pm.

“I ask why it would not be possible to install a similar gate in the gate at the Worrell Park footpath, open during the day and locked at night, as with the entrance gate?” he said.

“In my view, the vandalism in the car park does not originate from Worrell Park residents.

“This area is used as a public car park for those visiting the cafe, restaurant and facilities … it is not a private home or garden (where) an owner may argue they need to fence in for privacy.

“I hope that a little consideration and compassion might be shown to the residents of Worrell Park, many of whom have raised concerns.”

A Central Coast spokesperson said Council was investigating residents’ concerns regarding the removal of access to the walkway.

“If Council finds the blocking of the access is not legally allowed, Council will take appropriate action and work with the person/s responsible to ensure the issue is rectified,” the spokesperson said.

Attempts by CCN to contact the owner of the carpark have so far been unsuccessful.

Terry Collins