Pippa Middleton and her husband are at the center of a town row over the use of a footpath on their £15million estate.
The sister of the Princess of Wales and financial tycoon James Matthews moved their young family to a 145-acre rural estate in West Berkshire two years ago.
The estate was previously owned by the late design magnate Sir Terence Conran, who allowed locals to use a country lane leading to the Georgian mansion’s private drive.
However, Mrs Middleton and her husband have decided to close the lane to pedestrians, with signs warning “Private: No Public Access” and “No Trespassing” around the estate. One villager told The Mail on Sunday the couple’s decision to block the road was “scandalous”.
He added: ‘I like walking and I don’t see why I can’t walk there. I’ve been walking there for 50 years. When Sir Terence had it, he had no objections. I think we should have the right to roam.
Mrs Middleton and her husband have decided to close the lane to pedestrians, with signs warning “Private: No Public Access” and “No Trespassing” around the estate.
The sister of the Princess of Wales and financial tycoon James Matthews moved their young family to a 145-acre estate in West Berkshire two years ago.
‘These people seem to be overprotective of their property. I don’t think it’s right. We are quiet villagers. We don’t have vandalism around here. With all the signs up, it seems like it’s us and them.’
Another villager said: ‘I think it’s a shame. It’s a lovely walk.
‘Although it was not officially a trail, Sir Terence had no objection. He was very kind. Everyone liked him. He was quite involved in the town.
‘It seems that they are depriving the people of a service. People might get the impression that they are doing everything they can.”
Through his estate manager, Matthews submitted a Roads Declaration Notice to West Berkshire Council in March outlining his private land.
He made it clear that the road previously used by locals is prohibited. Eugene Futcher, president of the West Berkshire Ramblers, has lodged a counter-application to have the driveway declared a public right of way.
The council is expected to make a decision next year, but as landowners, the Matthews family can impose their own restrictions until then.
However, some villagers have expressed support for the couple, with one business owner saying: “The public assumes it’s a right of way.” It has never been a right of passage.
The estate was previously owned by the late design magnate Sir Terence Conran, who allowed locals to use a country lane leading to the Georgian mansion’s private drive.
‘The previous owner always allowed them to tour it, but now it is owned by someone else. (The Matthews) just exercised their right.’
They added: ‘Hikers are narrow-minded people who have nothing and don’t want other people to have anything. It’s jealousy.
‘If it was your house or your garden, would you want someone walking through it?’
Mr. Matthews has been contacted for comment.