This route has caused controversy amongst local residents. The inability to extend the Trail north means that it cannot reach Groombridge and link with the Forest Way, another footpath and bridleway following the route of a disused railway line. Numerous reports have been prepared which identified various routes which would connect with the Forest Way, from a Sustrans report in 1995 to three Owen Williams reports in 1998 and 1999, and finally an Atkins feasibility study in 2006 which confirmed that reusing the old railway line would be the best way forward, with the alternative on-road route as a short-term means of access to Groombridge. As part of the extension north, the Heathfield Tunnel was repaired and restored in 1997, funded by a derelict land grant of £198,000 by English Partnerships and a contribution of £60,000 from Wealden District Council. Gates were fitted to the tunnel in 1999 at a cost of £22,000 which allowed access to be restricted to daylight hours; access became unrestricted from 2002 but ceased entirely following an alleged rape incident on 12 March 2005. A trial reopening period began on 26 March 2007. In 2019 Wealden District Council was contacted due to the full closure of the tunnel. Their response was 'due to constant vandalism and anti social behaviour, the tunnel is to remain closed indefinitely with no plans to look into it'.