Preston Park to Withdean Right of Way

[NMH]

This is mainly for those of you who walk from Preston Park Station to Withdean, but also for any of you DIY lawyers.

Today, once again, we again had a couple of stewards outside the station trying to stop us walking from Preston Park to the ground via the rough track by the railway.

Obviously we ignored them and carried on using this public thoroughfare but they told us that they were only doing their jobs (love that attitude) because the locals had complained about fans using this path.

I've had this before and had the most officious "Special" WPC ordering me to take the huge detour via London Road - thus missing kick off. Trying to have a rational discussion with her about what right she had to forbid us using this public footpath was a complete waste of breath. Indeed reciting nursery rhymes would have quite a challenge with this particular c0ntstable.

Nobody has ever tried to stop us using the same path on the way BACK from the game. Either the locals only object to us walking in one direction or the jobsworths are in a rush to fk off home. Perhaps WPC Upherownarse doesnt get such a kick out of making us late home as she does at the prospect of us running to avoid missing kick off.

Can anyone tell me what right stewards or the police have to refuse me access up this or any other public footpath?
What byelaws would have to be in place?
How many locals would have to complain to get a footpath closed?

If they try this again, I want to have a row with them, but I don't want to miss the game and need to confirm that they have no right at all and I am on solid ground

Calling them jumped up jobsworth tossers is probably not the best course of action, tempting and accurate though it is.

Since they have orders, there's not much they, or you, can do about it.
I believe that, regardless of all public rights of passage, the police have the final word - so you have to regard their word as the presiding one.

However, if you think they might bend the rules for local residents, you could try saying that you live at number X, and you will otherwise be late picking your kids up from a dodgy area if held up.
Alternatively, obey their rules and regard your behaviour as a little step in the right direction for keeping a 'good fan' reputation toward the Falmer cause.

 

[Lord Bracknell]

I like the use of the word "jobsworth" in Hazgon's rant.

As in ... "It's more than my job's worth".

It is indeed. In one sense, the job of a steward is worth a few quid an hour.

If Hazgon thinks that the stewards should be removed, because all this compliance with planning conditions is "a crock of shit", can I just express the opinion that the future of the Albion is more important than Hazgon's opinion?

 

[turienzo's lovechild]

i've had sex in that path




twice

 

[Les Biehn]

i've had sex in that path




twice

It is a well know cottaging area.

 

[Beach Hut]

i've had sex in that path




twice

What was he like

 

[turienzo's lovechild]

What was he like

average

 

[Les Biehn]

average

Performance or size?

 

[Beach Hut]

average

Oh well as long as you had a good time

 

[turienzo's lovechild]

Performance or size?

both, carlos, you were average in both departments

 

[Les Biehn]

both, carlos, you were average in both departments

You charmer.

 

[turienzo's lovechild]