Jay Kynch on Garth Mountain

A retired university lecturer will be the eyes and ears of an outdoors campaigning body.

Jay Kynch will represent the Open Spaces Society in the southern area of Rhondda Cynon Taff, keeping a close watch on paths and rights of way in the area.

A keen horserider, Ms Kynch, of Efail Isaf, near Pontypridd, unsuccessfully fought to stop the downgrading of an ancient road to Garth Mountain to footpath status, denying access to cyclists and equestrian riders.

“The loss of that road was sad, and the Open Spaces Society deplored it,” she said. “I now want to see the society have more of a role here, ensuring that people feel confident about using their rights without obstruction, and defending them when they are threatened. I shall help to achieve this. Our paths and open country are a free resource for all.”

The new OSS representative will report rights-of-way problems to Rhondda Cynon Taff Council, the highway authority, and advise on the protection of commons, greens and other open spaces.

Ms Kynch worked as a development economist and as a researcher at Oxford University and lecturer at Swansea University. She has also researched poverty in Indian villages and social exclusion and regeneration in the South Wales valleys.

Open Spaces Society’s general secretary Kate Ashbrook said: “We are delighted to have Jay as our local representative in south Wales, defending the rights of walkers, riders and cyclists to enjoy the superlative countryside which adjoins the urban doorsteps. She will keep the council up to the mark on commons, greens, open spaces and paths.”