The signs, placed by the Zig Zag Railway Co-op Limited, relate to usage of a stretch of road which runs parallel to the train tracks.

They read: “This is privately owned land and access across it is illegal.

“That access will be stopped on March 1, 2015.

“Those crossing the land do so at their own risk and must drive very carefully.”

Ironically, one of the signs obscures the text on a warning sign.

The signs caught many by surprise, with residents and State Forest personnel alike unaware of the proposed closure.

Residents have expressed their concerns about the supposed closure, citing access issues to properties if the closure were to go ahead.

“There was no community consultation at all,” resident Anthony Smith said.

“The signs just appeared.

“The Zig Zag Railway is a great community asset, which has received goodwill and support from the community.

“I am surprised this has not been reciprocated,” he said.

The Clarence Siding Sawmill would also suffer, with alternative routes inappropriate for larger vehicles.

The matter has since been brought before council, with the issue discussed at the first ordinary meeting of 2015.

The only member of the public to address the meeting did so in regards to the signage.

Lyn Hourigan, a local resident, stated that if the road was closed to traffic it could effect up 300,000 people who frequent the Newnes Plateau.

This would include council itself along with trucks from the sawmill, tourists and locals.

It is Ms Hourigan’s understanding that if access is required through the gate that will be in place you will have to call a number.

For many, including Ms Hourigan, there is no mobile reception in this particular vicinity.

Cr Col Hunter also brought the issue to council’s attention as an item on the agenda.

Cr Hunter believes the only solution is to create a public road.

“This problem has been going on for years,” Cr Hunter said.

“I understand that Zig Zag have concerns to do with public liability and such, however this is not a road it is an access block.

“Part of this formed road is on Lithgow Council land and Zig Zag have considerable infrastructure on this land.”

It was decided that Lot 1 DP 917875 would be dedicated as a Council Road; a request will be put forward that Zig Zag Rail remove all infrastructure from this lot.

Council will engage in discussions with Zig Zag Rail for a land swap to accommodate both road and rail in the area, as well as with the Crown Lands Department to achieve access over Crown Land in the area.

All eyes remain on the Zig Zag Railway Co-operative to see how the next chapter of this story unfolds.

Zig Zag Railway Co-operative were contacted for comment however had not responded at time of print.