James Matthews, the husband of Pippa Middleton, gives evidence to an inquiry about a footpath that runs through the Barton Court estate. Matthews says that only a small number of people have used the route over a three-year period, describing the figure as “only a handful” of ramblers. He also states that access is affected by an electric gate at the property. Matthews says the gate was first installed when he and Middleton moved into the Grade I-listed Barton Court and that he and his wife have upgraded the gate as part of efforts related to the footpath. The reports say the couple is fighting a bid to reopen or otherwise allow wider public use of the route for walkers. The evidence presented focuses on the level of use of the footpath and the role of the gate in managing access. The inquiry is considering the circumstances around the public right of way and the estate’s control of entry points along the path.