A list of the current public enquiries and appeals that we and the council are involved in can be found on the Latest Inquiries page, however please remember that any problems with existing routes, blockages etc.. are the responsibility of the council, and need to be reported to your local bridleways officer.  Please see other links for more details on this.

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Last Updated 3/01/12

To all members, please try and help!! At the moment a planning application has gone in for a cycle track / pedestrian walk way from Parsonage Farm, Long Ashton, bypassing the A370 which would make a great extension to the Bridleways network (or what we have of one in our area!). Although this was originally promised to also be accessed by horses, this has not made the final planning application and therefore we need as many riders in our area to object as possible.

They can either do this online bclicking the following link North Somerset Planning application

Or alternatively, here is a draft letter that people can send in to North Somerset Council, click here for  link. We need to re-iterate that horse riders are an important part of the economy of North Somerset and that we require as much safe off road riding as any other group in the area! But to do this, we need horse riders to start standing up for themselves and making ourselves known.
 

New ePetition - we need you to fill it in!!

The Government is under pressure from riding groups to equal the number of bridleways in the country (currently approx 20,000 miles) up to the same level as footpaths (approx 91,000) miles to help reduce horses on the road/accidents while promoting outdoor activity and safe use for all sexes and ages. This will only happen if people sign the online petition. Please go to: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/15341 to sign and help get riders equal rights to walkers/ramblers. We need to get to at least 100,000 signatures. There are 8061 signatories when sending this email, lets see the difference we can make.

 

Gypsy Lane - Portishead

After 10 years of campaigning there is now a crossing on the A369 coming into Portishead from Junction 19 of the M5, at Gypsy Lane. When riders press the button, solar-powered lights come on saying ‘Horses crossing when the light’s flashing’. It doesn’t give riders the right of way, but at least it alerts motorists and once they have stopped riders can get across. There is a second, lower button for walkers and cyclists. Well done Barbara Bennett who has worked tirelessly to get this crossing!

 

 

Tyntesfield

The bridleway through Tyntesfield is now open and being used so well done Carolyn Crumpton who has persevered through thick and thin to get to this stage!!

 

 

 Fundraising help needed!!!!!

WBA member Helen Edwards is working together with 1 South West, Ashton Court Estate, Abbots Leigh Parish Council (ALPC) and North Somerset Council to improve the safety of the crossing between an existing bridleway and Ashton Court Estate for horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians. The existing entrance in the Ashton Court Estate boundary wall will be moved to opposite the bridleway so that riders can go directly across the busy B3129 (Beggar Bush Road where the national speed limit applies) rather than having to ride along it. The application will be presented soon and if successful it is hoped that the new entrance will be constructed in the first half of 2012.

 The WBA and local riders have raised the money towards the planning application so many thanks to all those who have contributed. But more money needs to be raised because although 50% of the cost of the work is being met by Ashton Court Estate the rest of the cost will need to found.

 

Winterhead, near Sidcot

There is a change of venue for the Public Inquiry into the two routes. It will still be held on January 5th possibly going over to  6th, but it will now take place in Winscombe Cricket Club, War Memorial Ground, The Lynch, Winnscombe BS25 1AP. It is about a mile off the A38. If anyone wants a map let Ann know.

Oakridge Lane, Winscombe

Also we have won our appeal for the Oakridge Lane bridleway near Winscombe. Undoubtedly it will end up at a Public Inquiry where North Somerset Council has decided take a neutral stance rather than actively objecting to it.