A LLANELLY Hill farmer is at the centre of a row over the removal of gates which connect a cycle track that runs across his land.

Gareth Jones was furious to discover that contractors for the transport charity Sustrans, which has been working on the section between Brynmawr and Govilon, were sent to remove two kissing gates last week, without consulting local residents.

Mr Jones, of Lower Cwm Nant Gam, said the gates were installed six months ago and have deterred scramblers from using the path.

"Before we had the gates we had problems with people riding motorbikes along the track, " he said.

"On one occasion the noise frightened one of my horses in the adjoining field and it bolted.

"If a child had been walking along the track it could have caused a serious accident.

"We even saw a car drive along there and couldn't get out at the other end.

"The gates are quite secure and have been keeping bikers out but they want to replace them with normal gates.

"If these are not shut properly stray stock could wander off the common land that runs on either side and cause chaos on the road if they get onto the Bridgend pub island at the other end of the track."

"I don't see why Sustrans can't leave them there, we aren't aware of any complaints by walkers or cyclists who use the path."

National cycle network manager for Wales, Ryland Jones, said that Sustrans are working in partnership with Monmouthshire county council, who own the path, to find a solution.

"We hope to find a satisfactory outcome to this matter and are meeting with Mr Jones later this week," he said.

"We think the kissing gates are over-restrictive and this is deterring families, walkers, cyclist and disabled users from being able to enjoy the route."

"We have suggested cattle grids in the past but the landowner rejected the idea."

Llanelly Hill community councillor, Simon Howarth, branded the decision to replace the gates ridiculous'.

"No consultation has taken place," he said. "If people with larger bicycles need to get through the gate there are electronic keys that can be issued.

"It seems a waste of money to replace new gates. It is totally unacceptable," he added.