Walker who slammed landowner over Buxton footpath strayed too far from home, say residents

Irate rambler John Rimington laid into the farmer for blocking access with a sign reading ‘Footpath closed - closed to you’ in large red letters.

He told the Advertiser how he was ‘disappointed’ at the landowner for stopping people using a public right of way across his land.

He added: “Walking in the surrounding countryside is one of the few pleasures available to us at this current time and there can be no excuse for restricting access.”

However nearby residents have since censured Mr Rimington, of Beech Drive, for straying too far from his home during his walk.

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told a press conference this week daily exercise should be limited to one hour maximum during the Government’s emergency measures.

The Cabinet Office advises people not to travel unless absolutely necessary - ‘staying local’ when using green spaces.

Speaking about the distance between Mr Rimimgton’s home and the golf course - a two-mile walk - Paul Wardman wrote on Facebook how he ‘shouldn't be walking over that way if he lives in Harpur, we’re supposed to be staying local’.

Louise Rhead-Garlick wrote (SIC): “This means he’s out longer than an hour or he’s driving into Buxton then walking though peoples property”.

Louise posted a response to Mr Rimington on Facebook which read how residents at the farm were ‘highly vulnerable due to ill health’.

She added that the working farm was now in lambing season and if the farm’s owners were infected with Covid-19 ‘they would not be able to tend their stock’.

She wrote: “We have put the signs up on the gate as some people think they are invisible and above the guidelines set out.

“All we ask is to stick to the guidelines and have a little respect for residents as to the danger you are putting them under.”

“Your cooperation in this matter will be greatly appreciated.”