NETWORK Rail’s conduct has been criticised in the aftermath of the Deganwy footpath closure controversy.

Conwy County Borough Council members voted to quash an application that would have seen the removal of Footpath No. 73 near Deganwy, in a move that Network Rail deemed would increase safety for pedestrians.

Councillor Mike Priestley, who voted to quash the application, explained his unhappiness at their conduct at a Conwy County Borough Council meeting, and said: “In 2011 Network Rail came along and stole a footpath from the residents of Marl and Deganwy.

“They basically just closed this footpath.

“We had an inquiry, and the inspector agreed there was a right of way; there was a footpath there.

“Obviously, Network Rail were not happy with that – they threatened the former MP and me with costs which would have been tens of thousands [of pounds] so you can imagine the worry and concern that caused myself and the MP.

“I asked Network Rail staff if this path could be made safer, and they agreed that it could.

“Network Rail have been clear that as a result of this decision they have an option under consideration to close the coastal path at this location as they own the land there.

“That just gives you a flavour of their attitude to this.”

Mr Priestley then asked what the cabinet was doing to protect the coastal path.

Councillor Greg Robbins is the cabinet member for environment, roads and facilities and indicated the council would do all it could to protect the crossing.

Mr Robbins said: “The coastal path and safe access to and from the coastal path is a hugely important part of our active travel network, which we make every effort to preserve and improve.

Mr Priestley later added: “We won at an Inquiry, at the High Court, and at the Court of Appeal.

“Network Rail said that the [coastal] land is a permissive right of way – ‘if you don’t close that footpath, we have an option to close the coastal footpath’.

“I want people to know what we are dealing with – bully boy tactics.”

MP for Aberconwy Robin Millar, who supported the vote to reject Network Rail’s application for the closure, said “heavy handed threats” were not right, and added: “Network Rail has a duty to the communities its assets lie within.

“I know that safety is, rightly, a top priority for them.

“However, they must also recognise their legal obligations, including the right of way we have established exists across the railway line, and pre-dates it.

“Heavy handed threats of closing access to the coastal path have no part in such a process.

“I have written to the many hundreds of residents who fall within the catchment of the crossing to make sure their voice is heard.”

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Public safety has always been at the heart of this from our perspective.

"An independent report, commissioned by Conwy Council, recognised our concerns and concluded that closing the crossing was the safest option available.

“While we review our next steps, we’ll continue to engage with local stakeholders and the community.”