Local residents have suffered abuse by 4WD's for far too long. Their clear request is that a permanent TRO should be made for Cradle Lane to safeguard it from repeated destruction by recreational motor vehicles.

Please will you send me copies of all the statutory closure notices applied to Cradle Lane over the last four years.

The story of Cradle Lane and its long and depressing history at the hands of the responsible authority can be found on www.horseytalk.net then clicking Riders Rights. You will see that the lane was actually closed in November 2008 so it is now three years since it was officially closed and the temporary TRO's have long since run their legal time limit.

In 2000 HCC ROW Department was found guilty of maladministration by the LGO for not sufficiently funding its statutory duties. I would suggest that HCC would reasonably want to take every step to safeguard it's expenditure if not the historic lane itself?

EHDC has as its number one priority the increased protection of the natural environment of which Cradle Lane is a valuable part.

There is also the recent inclusion as part of the Shipwrights Way which is a route for cyclists and other non-motorised users. Surely the County Council will want to protect it for this reason alone if not the safety of the proposed Users?

We are frequently told about The Big Society and the value of volunteers and communities looking after their own affairs. Should not this also be a consideration?

I look forward to hearing from you

Help Maureen in her campaogn to save Cradle Lane

Write/Call/E-mail
Vicky Bowskill
01962 846891
Countryside Access Development Officer
Countryside Service
Culture, Communities and Business Services
Hampshire County Council
Mottisfont Court, High Street, Winchester SO23 8ZF
http://www.hants.gov.uk/countryside/row/

Didn't I just know it? We need a permanent Traffic Regulation Order on this route. There should be no requirement for vehicles other than agricultural to access this ancient lane. They need to bite the bullet and give local people what they are asking for. Once the wheel ruts appear it will already be too late as we have seen.

Please may I ask you to write and insist on a permanent TRO to protect our heritage. The protection for ancient lanes is recognised in the EHDC Local Plan which refers to development in the nearby location.

Surely motorised traffic will be responsible for even more damage. HE19 Development will not be permitted where it would adversely affect the character, setting or historical, ecological and archaeological value of ancient tracks and lanes

These may play a major part in the local landscape. They are under increasing threat from development which can be controlled by the local authority.

Their conservation and management rests largely on the awareness, voluntary will and effort of farmers, landowners and the general public in pursuit of these aims. The District Council will encourage the preparation of management plans for the protection, maintenance and enhancement of ancient tracks and lanes.