I don't think rights of way can lapse that easily. It is illegal to block a public right of way unless there is something in the title that enables the landowner to do it from time to time. It can be challenged.

However I admit I was one of the people who wasn't too keen on it for security reasons as I often walk past it at night and was concerned about it. I suspect it is closed off because it was being used for unsavoury purposes.