CAMPAIGNERS opposed to a major housing development in Bridport are worried that footpaths across the site could be closed for several years. 

All rights of way across Vearse Farm will be temporarily closed while homes are being built at Foundry Lea.

The temporary order is due to take effect from Tuesday, August 1 and be in place for 26 weeks - and can be extended with Secretary of State approval.

Any person who goes against the order will be hit with a fine of up to £1,000. 

Bridport town councillor Sarah Carney has hit out at Dorset Council and developers for not consulting with residents - adding she has even offered to meet builders to show them alternative routes. 

Cllr Carney is concerned the temporary closures could be in place 'for the duration of the build' - potentially up to 10 years.

Residents claim the closures have been 'rushed through' and are demanding a proper consultation for people to have their say. 

In addition to the temporary closures, there is a separate consultation underway for the diverted footpaths which will come into place once the development is completed.

"Dorset Council says consultation on this proposal returned no adverse responses,  however as far as we are aware, there has been no consultation to respond to," Cllr Carney said.

"The order also says that there is no alternative route. This is not correct and if the council had consulted locally then we could have discussed alternatives.

"This will need to be renewed every six months, but we are being told that this will effectively be in place for the duration of the build.

"These footpaths represent the only safe way pedestrians can walk to and from Eype.

"The alternatives involve walking down Broad Lane, which has no pavement, or taking our lives into our own hands by crossing over the A35 at Miles Cross."

Cllr Carney has also lamented proposals for a new roundabout proposed for the busy A-road, claiming there are 'no plans' to include a pedestrian and cycle route across it.

All issues were discussed at a Bridport Town Council meeting on Monday, which saw ADVEARSE, a campaign group against Foundry Lea, voice their concerns. 

Member Barry Bates said: "We all accept the need for some closure and diversions, but it cannot be acceptable to conclude there is no alternative route.

"It might cost the developers money to arrange alternative routes at various stages of the development, but that is surely a legitimate cost.

"How many more things will be conveniently rushed through at the 11th hour?"

The Foundry Lea scheme is being built by developers Barratt David Wilson Homes and Countryside Partnerships, and is due to begin construction later this year. 

A spokesperson for the developers said: “As part of our commitment to providing safe pedestrian and cycle routes, we presented a permanent alternative public right of way route at our 'meet the builder' event at Bridport Town Hall in March. 

"The submission of plans followed the statutory process carefully.

"From the outset we have taken into account suggestions and comments and we will continue to work closely with the community as the project progresses."

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: “We are working closely with the developer and plan to keep as many rights of way open as we can during the duration of the works.

"The temporary closure notice is purely there to enable us to quickly close a footpath if necessary for the safety of site staff or the public.

"If a footpath cannot be kept open for any reason, an alternative route would be made available as close as possible to the existing footpath.

"There will be signs and fences in place so it is clear where people can walk.”

National Highways, which manages the A35, said it is 'working closely' with developers and the council regarding the new planned roundabout.