Maureen Comber's vivid, inside, blow by blow account of the final part of her 40-unbelievable-year fight which began with her trying to persuade her local Council to fulfil their statutory duty and repair just 250-yards of bridleway and ended with her fighting for riders rights along the repaired bridleway which will run through East Hampshire and the South Downs National Park..

It reveals in detail the time-wasting, buck-passing nonsense that passes for local government in this country.

It shows the toe-curling, mind-numbing lengths Councillors and Council officials will go to avoid taking decisions and getting the job done

It proves the almost inexaustable stamina, determination and absolute dedication needed by members of the public and even Councillors who take on local authorities to try and get such simple things done - as repair 250-yards of bridleway.

It also shows what is likely to happen to David Cameron's Big Society when it hits the rocks of local government reality.

Read Maureen's story

Shudder at the stupidity of local Councils, Council officials and even elected Councillors

Sob, shout and scream at the time wasted and the time taken to do almost anything at local level.

Hang your head in shame on behalf of the Conservative Party, which at national level preaches The Big Society and public participation but at local level throws Maureen Comber out of the Party because, they say, she is a trouble-maker for campaigning for 40-years to get help from local government to respect the safety of horse riders and do their Statutory Duties to maintenance to our rights of way.

Says Maureen, "The Executive of the East Hampshire Conservative Party had got their way. I had been well and truly Thatchered. The Nasty Party had lived up to its name."

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Dear Maureen

Just a note to thank you for all your efforts on behalf of horses, riders, walkers and cyclists who are fortunate enough to enjoy our countryside in the way that we do.

I have only recently read the complete saga of Cradle Lane and I think you should get a medal ! Really !

Bureaucracy for its own sake still seems to be alive and well even though we are now in the 21st Century.

If David Cameron really is serious about The Big Society then hopefully things may start to change.

I hope this finds you well and thank you again

Yours sincerely

Tricia Dennison