Safety of Horse Riders

UPDATE ON MATTERS RAISED BY HORSE RIDERS

The Parish Council recently received many letters highlighting issue related to the safety of those riding out on horses on the Quantock Hills and other byways and bridleways. There were 3 main areas highlighted which the Parish Council discussed at their meeting on 11th July. This note is an update on the outcomes so far.

Rock Lane.

This area is within an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and is therefore subject to very strict controls on what can be done. This precludes the Parish Council acting in isolation and simply carrying out repairs. We have now been in discussion with SCC Rights of Way who have agreed in principle to scope a project which will be partly funded by the Parish Council from our reserves. A preliminary meeting with SCC ROW is planned for early August and we will report further at the next meeting in September. This hopefully will resolve the reported issues at this location.

Downhill Cyclists.

This matter is already known to the AONB Management Team and was discussed at the recent AONB Joint Advisory Committee. The approach to controlling the cyclists is one of education as on-going enforcement is seen as problematic given the current staffing levels. The Parish Council can do no more on this matter and suggests that each dangerous conflict, as mentioned in the various letters, is reported directly to the Rangers giving details of location etc. Their contact details are:

Telephone: 01823 451884

Email: [email protected]

Safe Crossing of the A358.

The suggestions made to improve the safe crossing, by horse riders especially, of the increasingly busy A358 have been passed to Cllr Mike Rigby who is County Councillor and can progress the matter with Somerset Highways. We will keep in contact with Cllr Rigby on progress or rejection.

Stout Lane.

This is a well-known issue that the Parish Council has been pursuing for many years. We understand that Cllr Rigby is in discussion with Rights of Way to finally get a solution identified and funded. Again we will keep this as an item on our regular agenda.