POLICE were called over angry scenes during a sponsored walk along a disputed footpath at Saron this weekend.

Tempers flared when residents walking between Saron Road and Pantyblodau Road, Blaenau, clashed with landowners Susan Morgan and Steve Price.

Walkers, who included AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas, county councillor John Edwards and the South Wales Guardian, were told in no uncertain terms they were trespassing.

The footpath and road between the two villages was closed decades ago when the National Coal Board began coaling at the Gilfach Iago opencast site.

Celtic Energy took over the mine and is responsible for reinstating roads to the original alignment.

Residents hit back at Miss Morgan and Mr Price, claiming they were using the original footpath route, and showed police a map they maintained proved their claims.

"The roads and the footpath are a public right of way," said Dorian Thomas.

"The footpath also runs through my property, but I haven't stopped - and will not stop - anyone from using it because legally I cannot."

Councillor Edwards said he had official documentation from Carmarthenshire Council confirming it was the legal route.

"Whenever my constituents walk along the path they are faced with a barrage of abuse from the landowners," said councillor Edwards. "Scores of residents are fed up with the saga and just want to be able to enjoy walks along this route."

But Miss Morgan told the Guardian that she has documentation to prove that the alignment of the footpath runs through her neighbour's land and not hers.

She says she and fellow landowners Paula and John Smith are fighting a losing battle to ensure Celtic Energy re-instate former roads and footpaths to the original plans.

"I have taken my case to the Ombudsman to try and solve this sorry saga," she said.

"Celtic Energy have been given nine months to re-instate the roads or they will be faced with a fine of £1,000."

Miss Morgan has amassed scores of documents she says proves that the footpath used by walkers does not follow the original route.

"Carmarthenshire Council sent me a map in 2006 which clearly shows that the path does not run through my land, so the walkers on Saturday were trespassing," Miss Morgan told the Guardian yesterday (Tuesday). "If they have this information, why has it not been fed down to local councillors to inform the community where the correct alignment is?"

Council spokesman Ron Cant said the rights of way officer is investigating.

"The current owner of the land which the footpath runs through has inherited a historical problem which needs to be resolved before the council can take enforcement action to ensure this footpath can be re-opened," he said.