Horseytalk.net/Hoofbeat EXCLUSIVE
RIDER RIGHTS
Are these the most dangerous bridleway gates in the country ?
Local riders think they are. They have stopped using them. They use the road instead.
They are self closing gates on a bridleway on part of Pirbright Common in Surrey.
One of the gates is even attached to an electric fence.
How safe is that ?
Bob Milton is investigating
Says Adam Owen, Trees & Countryside Manager, Parks & Countryside Service
I agree they are very difficult but at the time of installation I know a lot of work was done by the Heathland Project to find a solution and this was what was created. We can consider the gates in the immediacy, it certainly does not have to wait until other works are completed.
As you know it is my desire to open up the heaths and have no fences on the heaths (save around cattle grids and bypasses) and openly graze. This of course would mean very few gates indeed and return the common to a more accessible status. This will take some time to achieve but with support from yourself (wearing both hats) and CPRE it would help ease things through the process. Local support for this was very strong at the meeting on 11th April.
Common land is also very important to me and once we have secured the management of the common, agreed fencing and gates etc then I would happily direct the Council's solicitors to re-register the commons but not before works are completed.
If you know of any other bridleway gates, which are dangerous to both horse and rider, please e-mail us with the details