A scenic coastal observe close to Borgue is on the centre of an entry row.
Locals declare the trail right down to the shore at Kirkandrews is a historic proper of manner.
However earlier this 12 months the landowner double locked the gate to restrict entry.
The transfer provoked an indignant response from residents and Dumfries and Galloway Council was knowledgeable.
The entry group is at present sending out proof of use questionnaires to see if a proper of manner case exists.
Native man Chris Brown described the row as “very unhappy” and hoped goodwill would prevail.
He mentioned: “No-one can ever do not forget that gate being locked – the trail was fully accessible till this 12 months.
“If order was to be restored to what it was then that may be nice.
“In any other case it’s going to be a long-running festering factor.
“In a ravishing place like this – why do you want unhealthy blood?
“If this was to be nipped within the bud everyone could be very joyful about it.
“Hopefully an answer may be discovered.”
Mr Brown, 57, a advisor with British Requirements Establishment (BSI), mentioned the dispute started when the core path was briefly re-routed down the observe for security causes as building supplies have been being introduced in for a brand new home close by.
The core path was restored to its authentic route – however locals discovered the gate to the shore observe had been locked.
He mentioned: “Folks can climb over the gate – however clearly not if they're in a wheelchair.
“The bay is utilized by kayakers and is on the paddle route from Brighouse to Carrick.
“If you're stranded at sea the Coastguard or ambulance would possibly want to make use of the observe.
“If there’s an accident it might be fairly a difficulty.”
He added: “The council entry group are on the case.
“They've despatched out questionnaires to all of the residents right here they usually have all crammed them in.”
Mr Brown’s great-grandfather James Brown purchased and developed Knockbrex Property round Kirkandrews within the early twentieth century.
The observe was used, Mr Brown mentioned, for wagons carrying coal off ships from Whitehaven moored in Kirkandrews Bay.
Since then, he added, native fishermen and boat house owners have used the by-way for vehicular entry.
He mentioned: “My household has had a reference to Kirkandrews going again 120 years.
“All that is fully pointless and may be very annoying.”
A council spokesperson mentioned: “The council is conscious that there's a locked gate on a route which has beforehand been utilized by the general public to entry the bay at Kirkandrews.
“The landowner has locked the gate to stop entry to the sphere via which the route passes.
“They've knowledgeable us that it's a silage discipline rising feed for his or her inventory.
“The landowner has declined our request to unlock the gate.
“It has been alleged that the route is an historic Proper of Approach and subsequently, according to our duties beneath the Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967, we are actually investigating this declare.
“Our council has circulated and made obtainable an Proof of Use Questionnaire for members of the general public to finish if they've info regarding the alleged route.
“This survey is open till the top of September and any info gathered might be stay confidential.”
Questionnaires may be requested by emailing entry@dumgal.gov.uk”
Deadline for submissions is September 30.