Pippa Middleton's Estate Footpath Sparks Local Dispute

Pippa Middleton and her husband James Matthews are involved in a dispute with locals over the closure of a footpath on their West Berkshire estate, previously accessible to the public under the ownership of Sir Terence Conran. The couple has installed signs barring public access and filed a Highway Declaration Notice with the local council, citing private property rights. Locals, who have used the path for over 50 years, describe the decision as 'outrageous' and feel it deprives them of an important amenity, while some villagers support the couple's right to close the path, arguing it was never an official right of way. The West Berkshire Ramblers have filed a counter-application to have the path declared a public right of way, citing historical use. The council is expected to make a decision on the matter next year.