Villagers are up in arms over moves by meat supplier Cranswick to stop up an ancient right of way which passes close to their abattoir near Hull.

The UK’s biggest pork supplier has applied to the Department of Transport to shut around 200 yards of the footpath, known as Nun's Walk.

Nun's Walk is believed to be an ancient road used by nuns and visitors to All Saints Church, Preston.

The 800-year-old route, which still has cobbles visible in parts, is thought to have once been the medieval main street of the village. Parish council chairman Ian Ireland said around 30 people came to a council meeting on Monday, and "not one had a good word for Cranswick".

Nun's Walk - historians believe the partially cobbled footpath was how people got to Preston before the turnpike road was built in 1745 The cobbled roadway is thought to have been the medieval main street of the village

placeholder image — Nun's Walk - historians believe the partially cobbled footpath was how people got to Preston before the turnpike road was built in 1745 The cobbled roadway is thought to have been the medieval main street of the village

The proposal would close a stretch of footpath which crosses the main access road into the abattoir. Instead walkers would be diverted across a field, and then onto a path on the main road, crossing the main entrance, before turning into Luck Lane.

Cranswick said the proposal was for the safety of all those accessing the site. Some 65 livestock trucks a day come to the site and 900 workers in shifts.

However councillor Ireland said diverting the path to run alongside the main road and cross the main entrance would pose a higher risk to walkers.

He said they'd been told it was to do with trying to stop animal rights activists - but that had been a problem for 50 years and it wasn't going to be solved by blocking off a public footpath.

Councillor Ian Ireland at the start of Nun's Walk across the road from All Saints, Preston

"As the name implies the nuns used to leave the church by their own door and come down the back steps before Main Street existed and return to their own settlement.

"It's all about the share price because if animal rightists get in, everybody is up in arms. I think a company that has a turnover of £2.7bn should have explored alternatives and had proper consultation with all stakeholders. People who have lived in this village for 50 or 60 years knew nothing about it. Everybody should have known about it.”

Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart is inviting people to walk the footpath with him on Friday at 5pm where they can directly raise their concerns.

He said: “Nun’s Walk is regarded locally as an ancient route with longstanding links to the history of the village and is valued by many residents as an important part of Preston’s heritage.

Objections to the draft order must be filed by July 27

“Cranswick is an important local employer and I recognise the contribution it makes to our area.

"However, local people deserve to have their voices heard and their concerns properly considered before any decision is taken."

Parish councillor Tony Hodge said the firm was making “a lot of lame excuses”, adding: “They are moving the hazard to the main road which is worse.”

Cranswick said: “The footpath that incorporates Nuns Walk also crosses the main access points for all vehicles for our site in Preston.

"The safety of everyone who uses the footpath and accesses the site is incredibly important and this proposal will reduce the risks to everyone involved.”

People have until July 27 to object.