Residents say administrators for a crashed textile mill have blocked a historic right of way through the site.

The lane through the Washpit Mills complex in Holmfirth has been closed off with concrete blocks and wire fencing.

Locals claim the access road between Choppards Lane and Green Lane has been used for decades and is a vital thoroughfare.

The textile firm based at the site, Westwood Yarns, ceased trading at the end of January after administrators KPMG were called in. Around 135 employees were made redundant.

The firm, which made the wool carpet for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011, was only sold by parent company Victoria PLC last September for almost £1 million.

Now administrators are looking for sell the rundown 8.5 acre site for development.

READ MORE:Historic Westwood Yarns at Washpit Mills, Holmfirth, ceases trading with all but two staff made redundant

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Michael Martin, 67, who uses an electric wheelchair, needs the lane to get down into Holmfirth. The local roads are steep and narrow and the lane is vital in snow when local roads are impassable.

Mr Martin, who lives with wife Jill, 63, said the lane was not marked on maps as an official right of way but had been used by locals for many years.

He went out on Wednesday and found the lane blocked. He complained to Kirklees Council and phoned the administrators.

“KPMG said they had done it to secure the site against vandalism but about half-an-hour later they moved the concrete barricades so that I could get through in my wheelchair.

“Residents, however, still want vehicular access so we can get down to the main Dunford Road. It’s also important for the emergency services.”

Wheelchair user Michael Martin and neighbour Jeremy Kilner find public right of way blocked at Washpit Mills, Holmfirth.

Mr Martin said residents also wanted to protect the right of way in the event of further development.

Another local couple, Ian and Wendy Tidmarsh, also rely on the lane. Mr Tidmarsh said he had used it for 50 years and his father for at least 10 years before that.

A spokesman for the administrators said: “The land is privately owned by the company in administration and we have been advised by Kirklees Council that there is no public right of way.

READ MORE:Workers at historic textile firm in Holmfirth still waiting to hear whether they will have jobs

“As the site is vacant, and in the interest of public safety, we have made the decision to close access to motorists.

“The land remains accessible by foot at all times and local residents are still able to use a number of public roads surrounding the site. We have also liaised with the fire service, which has confirmed closure of the land will not adversely affect access routes for emergency personnel.

“Upon completion of a sale, it will be the responsibility of the new owner to determine if the land is to remain closed or re-open. There has been a great deal of interest in the property and, while it is not clear what the future purpose of the site will be, we will ensure the purchaser is aware of how the land has been used historically.”