FOR decades, residents and walkers have been using a gate near Higher Hoopern Farm in Duryard to access the grounds of Exeter University.
However, residents have recently contacted councillor Percy Prowse to complain that the gate is now being kept locked.
A university spokeswoman said: "Following a recent assessment by the university's assistant director of health and safety, it was decided that we had no alternative but to close the gates at Higher Hoopern Farm in the interests of the safety of everyone concerned.
"The farm is used as both a welding workshop and a re-cycling and collection area for the university; this includes the storage of wood chippings for the bio-composter based there. Due to the heavy plant and regular lorry traffic, it is a highly hazardous area for anyone apart from those who work there.
"There are lots of alternative ways of accessing the campus, all of which are well signposted. We are currently reviewing the long-term plans for Higher Hoopern Farm but, for the reasons outlined above, the gates will have to remain closed while this is underway."
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