Keith Richards tries to get rid of ramblers
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Your support makes all the difference.The Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has launched a campaign to protect the privacy of his home by changing the route of a footpath.
Mr Richards has been angered by the attention of ramblers using the pathway which passes just 11 yards from his thatched home, Redlands House in West Wittering, West Sussex. He has proposed moving the footpath to the other side of a field, which he also owns.
His request goes before West Sussex County Council's right of way committee on 1 October. But planning officers have already recommended that the proposals be rejected.
Mr Richards saw his chance to move the path when the Chichester Harbour Conservancy Board, which acts as steward of the countryside, proposed a cycle route to include "path 32". Because the path is on land owned by Mr Richards, it can only be turned into a combined footpath and cycle route with his permission.
Jeff Bartley, head of environment and economic policy, said: "Officers feel that the present route is the best right of way for walkers. It is convenient for walkers and has good views."
Neighbours of Mr Richards feel he is overprotective of views on to the house, which he bought in 1966. Villagers also point out that he spends much of his time at his homes in the United States or France.
Mark Hammond, the county's environment and development officer, said: "Mr Richards is a well-known figure and so inevitably attracts a greater level of interest and attention from members of the public. He feels that on its present line the footpath causes a considerable problem in terms of the privacy and security of the property."
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