Ramblers warned off land by millionaire Sussex property
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A PROPERTY millionaire who describes ramblers as "scumbags", has become embroiled in a dispute over a public right of way which crosses his land.
Nicholas van Hoogstraten, who is building a pounds 30m "Renaissance palace" on his estate near Uckfield in East Sussex has angered walkers by blocking a footpath with locked gates, barbed wire and a barn.
Even though the right of way is marked on the map, the businessman says has no intention of opening it to the public. He said ramblers who went on his land without permission would be "viciously dealt with".
Although the council agrees Mr van Hoogstraten has acted illegally, it has not taken steps towards opening it to the public.
Mr van Hoogstraten once served four years in jail after a hand-grenade attack on an associate. The judge described him as an "emissary of Beelzebub".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments