Chairman: Mrs. C. Ingram,   Vice Chairman: Mr. P. Hackett,  Treasurer: Mrs. A. Leonard
Secretary: Mrs. L. Hughes,  British Horse Society Rep: Mrs. Sandra Boycott,
Safety & Highways Officer:  Mr. R. Leonard

N E W S L E T T E R A P R I L  2 0 0 6

 

• Devon County Council Highways Department, have proposed further traffic calming at Thorndon Cross as a result of the proposed bridleway which will now include a 40 mph limit. This makes a win win situation for walkers, riders,cyclists and local residents who have been campaigning for a speed limit for sometime. It is only the creation of a bridleway that has made this possible.  Part of the extra £1.5million cash injection into W. Devon roads will be implemented in phase 1 Thorndon Venn Down Gates along with many other schemes throughout W. Devon in the coming financial year.

 

• Thorndon Cross – Halwill bridleway. Phase 2 Venn Gate – Halwill has been agreed by DCC in principle although the precise alignment of the route is not set in stone.  DCC will, therefore be continuing it’s consultation process and as part of this process will be having an open day locally, probably a village hall. We will keep you informed and look forward to your support.
• Highampton – Windmilland Cross cycleway has now got the official horse riding signs up.

 

• Another landowner in the Buckland Filleigh area now has money for riding access.
• Woolfardisworthy –Extensive improvement works to the bridleways in this parish are being carried out and in particular one of the green lanes has been vastly improved.

 

FUTURE PROJECTS

 

• Forestry - We are pressing for improved forestry access and in particular for  horseriding fees to be lifted giving fair and equal access with other users. Our representatives recently attended a meeting at Abbeyford woods where we let this injustice of paying large license fees be known to other user group representatives, who were totally unaware that horse riders had to pay. We would appreciate input from members in order to help us. Please note there is a public meeting on Saturday 20th May where the public will have their say on the future plans for Abbeyford. We urge you to attend and speak up for horseriders. Watch out for press releases regarding this event.

 

• Granite Way - As with the above we are seeking input and support from riders so that we can put an informed case forward. We hope to improve access for riders under the new multi-use policy that we were instrumental in promoting. Safe road crossing points are hugely important to any plan that we put forward so your views and suggestions would therefore be welcomed. We are keeping a watchful eye on the new proposed Granite Way Link (Bridestowe Station – Lake) to ensure riders are included.
• Gate Survey – The Public Rights of Way Warden agrees that many gates on public rights of way do not need to be closed all of the time, particularly in winter when the fields are empty and could, therefore be safely latched open. This would also avoid poaching around the gates caused by the necessary circling etc., to open and close them. The Warden has agreed to liaise with landowners regarding installing latch posts. Please let us know if there are any gates you know of where this might be implemented so we can give the Warden a list of possible sites.

 

• We will be actively putting forward the equestrian perspective as consultees to the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage project which has the potential to open up many exciting routes for the horserider.

To enable us to add to our successes and carry on making the horse riders’ voice heard, we are still often treated as the poor relations, we need to continue with a large and active membership. Your support is vital.; We keep our subscriptions as low as possible. £4 individual, £6.50 family. Our subscription year runs from April to April. The more members we have the more clout we have.

Riders are often heard bemoaning their lot. We have an active enthusiastic committee who are trying their best to improve the horseriders’ lot. Please support us.

 

SW Riders Committee
     

Horse warning signs

Mounting blocks

We also approached Devon County Council about this problem and they came back to us only this week to say they have put in a bid for funding from The Countryside Commission to install mounting blocks where necessary. This is about access for the less able. The first mounting blocks will soon be installed along the new bridleway from Thorndon to Bowerland. Obviously their resources are not limitless but if you know of a gate where a mounting block would be really helpful and improve safety then write to the Rights of Way Department at County Hall giving precise details of location and need and asking them to install a mounting block and, if they haven't already spent all the money I am sure they will try and help.

New gates have been installed around Fernworthy with horse latchings making access better and safer.