Bridleway concerns after sudden closure (From Ledbury Reporter)

Bridleway concerns after sudden closure

9:47am Thursday 6th March 2008

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A local horse rider says she is most concerned that a bridleway linking Leadington with Ledbury has been closed without warning by Herefordshire Council.

The authority says the bridleway was closed for safety reasons, because of mayor industrial development nearby.

Emma Houlbrooke used the "very useful" path as a link to Falcon Lane and hacking routes around Ledbury.

She said: "I am very disappointed to see that no alternative route has been provided for either the bridleway or the footpath.

"This means that my only route to Falcon Lane would be either along the Ledbury bypass or up the A449 - neither of which I would feel very safe doing"

She added: "I am aware that not many horses use the route but I have often met people walking it, and surely I cannot be the only person that is upset that the path has been closed with immediate effect.

"This was the only bridleway in my hacking area. I thought that the council and the Government were supposed to be promoting access, - not taking it away."

The bridleway in question is known as Ledbury Rural 8, and it passes close to Robertson's Ledbury Preserves, - which is gradually being converted into the biggest cider mill in Western Europe.

Rob Hemblade, the council's public rights of way manager said the route was closed "because of a potential danger to the public".

Hugh storage tanks are in the process of being delivered to the site.

Mr Hemblade said: "Public rights of way officers are now working with developers to find an alternative path for use, while the site is being developed.

"A temporary closure order will be placed on the existing bridleway and footpath for the duration of the works."

He added; "As part of the planned development, it is likely than an application will be made to legally move the bridleway and possibly the footpath and, as part of this process, the public will be fully consulted about the proposed new route

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