BRIDLEWAY NEWS

From a recent Local Access Forum meeting, West Berks Council announced that it has made the following repairs/ improvements to:

A survey of the entire rights of way network was made between September & November 2009 which included an assessment of ease of use of all routes. Report in future. Remember, to report any problems or difficulties with local bridleways/ byways - see 'report a problem on the WBC website' if you want your favourite track to be repaired. I believe allocations for this year's repairs are being made about now.

Newsletter October 2009

Mess on the Ridgeway Bury Down to A34 underpass

I have been asked by West Berks Council to let you know that after an illegal rave over Easter there is considerable mess including broken glass on the track up there .

The Council have cleared up quite a bit but now have to bring in specialist cleaners to finish it. They ask for our patience in cleaning it up.

Janice
tel: 01635 200507

West Berkshire Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP)

Every Council has to produce a rights of way improvement plan (ROWIP). The draft for West Berks can be found on http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8906. Comments are invited by 13 March 2009 then the final will be prepared. Comments to Elaine Cox, ELCox@westberks.gov.uk

Text of West Berks Memo

Some riders in West Berkshire may recall contributing specific ideas way back in 2004/5. I believe all these are incorporated in appendix 2. Let Elaine know of any omissions (if you can remember!) and any additional ideas you have to improve the riding network.

Appendix 1 lists general ideas. Equestrians are represented but if you think there are things missing, shout now.

Of course, this does not mean that these ideas will get implemented- it is just a plan. But from what I have seen to date it is a great help to have ideas listed. And look out for opportunities, eg. when someone wants planning permission for a housing estate!

Janice Bridger

Appendices 1 and 2
Latest Version of the plan

Coastal Access for Equestrians - Your Help IS needed

A Bill will soon be going through Parliament to provide a right of access along the whole of the coast. However, this is only to be for walkers even though the corridor will be 4 metres wide, that is, wider than many existing bridleways. The BHS, along with a number of other organizations, has been lobbying for the corridor to also be available for horse riders, but Natural England does not agree.

So, the BHS is asking all of us to lobby our MPs to speak up for equestrians when this Bill is debated & voted on in Parliament. It could not be easier to do. Just fill in your name on the postcard included with this newsletter and to send to your MP. Find out who your MP is on www.writetothem.com.

Please consider sending in the postcard even though we are not on the coast. The Club organizes trips to beaches which allow horses but there are concerns that access to even these may be lost if the statutory right is provided just for walkers. At the very minimum, lobbying our MPs will raise the profile of equestrians, who are usually forgotten about, and, who knows, we might be able to ride along the coast where we choose.

Additional copies of the postcard will be sent in the Rider magazine so do get others to send one in. Or, download a postcard e-copy from www.bhs.org.uk (click 'Other access campaigns') and pop it into an envelope. A postcard can be sent from each member of the household. Fuller details can be found on the main BHS website and on page 18 of the Sept / Oct British Horse magazine.

Park & Ride - Get to know West Berks Bridleways

Parking is available at The Warren, Curridge, for riders who fancy a change of hacking scene. Some routes are described on www.bridleways.co.uk: Chieveley Community Circuit (route 844), Pang Valley Ride (1046), Fence Wood Ride (1047) plus a ride to Snelsmore Common & Bagnor and other combinations. Donation of £ 2.50 per rider welcome to go to the BHS Access fighting fund to save closure of riding routes, as for the recent BMW case at Oxford. Phone Janice Bridger, 01635 200507, or email to arrange janice.bridger@btopenworld.com. Escorted rides possible with well behaved horses & riders!
Anyone else have safe parking close to a nice local riding route?

Bridleway problems

Report that problem (overgrown path, surface damage) to the Council to get it on the list & show we need good riding routes. It may take a while to get it fixed but there is a rolling repair programme. Log onto www.westberks.gov.uk & look for report a problem on the right hand side.

Janice.bridger@btopenworld.com
Curridge, 01635 200507
BHS Access & Bridleways Officer West Berks