SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE & DISTRICT BRIDLEWAY GROUP

An update from South Staffordshire & District Bridleway Group 11th Nov 08

The reported good relationship with the Rights of Way Officers at Stafford continues, and most bridle paths in the area have seen improvements over the summer months.

We are pleased to report the following improvements: -
BP 4 Seisdon Common. The disputed gate on this path at the northerly end has been relocated, and a 6ft gap left alongside for riders. The ‘arched’ tree has been felled, and further fallen trees removed.
At the end of the wooded section, the landowner, in conjunction with the Rights of Way Officer, has installed two sleepers to a nationally agreed anti-motor cycle design. He has promised to keep vegetation under control so as the sleepers remain visible.
BP 15 Church Lane. The saga of the gates continues. We are hoping to have a meeting on site with the adjacent landowners, the ROW Officers and the local County Councillor. Keep watching this space!
BP 21 Wolmore to Chicken Farm. At our request, the ROW team at both ends of this path has erected finger posts.
BP 22 Wolmore to Fox Rd. At our request, the path was mowed in mid August, and again at our request, a standard bridle path gate has replaced the narrow wooden gate where this path leaves BP 15.
BP 27 Greenacres. The problematic gates on this path have been inspected and a remedy suggested. Negotiations are in hand.
BP 6 Pool Hall. The landowners have been asked to inform the ROW Officer before laying any more tarmac surfacing on this path.
BP 1 Trysull to B4176. This path is currently closed UFN due to the collapse of the path’s surface.

Please remember to be considerate when using the Inett’s Permissive Routes. No galloping, and take it easy during this spell of very wet weather.
Don’t forget to tell Bev Higgs of any problems or suggestions for improving the off-road riding in South Staffs.

Safe Riding,
Tony Gregory

 

An update:

Since the last report dated 15th March, the Group has been busy liasing with the Rights of Way Officers at Stafford. A good relationship is evolving, and our concerns over surfacing, signage, vegetation growth, gates and overhanging trees are being met with sympathy, and most of all – ACTION!

We are pleased to report the following improvements:
BP 11, Trescott. The tubular steel barrier has been shortened to make the gap the regulation 5 feet wide.
BP 10, The Clive. A new gate has been installed (by the landowner), set well back from the highway, greatly improving the safety here.
BP 18, Post Office Road, Seisdon. The slippery surface at the entrance adjacent to The Elms has been resurfaced. Hurrah!
BP 15, Church Lane. The re-siting of the bridleway gate is still causing a problem. We are still on the case!!
BP 23, Wolmore. The beet bucket has been moved to increase the gap to the regulation width. The slippery surface along here has been inspected, and hopefully the surface will be treated in the next financial year. Watch this space!
BP 4, Seisdon Common. There are some disputed gates along here, and it is hoped that we can resolve the problems soon. An inspection of the path has been arranged, and we are trying to get the low arched tree removed, the vegetation cut down and other issues sorted out.
BP 27, leading off Smallman’s track across the Mares’ Field. The gates on this path are being inspected, and we hope improvements will follow.
BP 39, Wombourne. A 5ft wide bridleway gate is to be installed.

We are pleased to report that the Permissive Route on the Inett’s land at Furnace Grange is being enjoyed by all. With the addition of a few signs, and the growth on the Conservation Strips, everyone is keeping to the designated path, and the Farmers are happy.

Don’t forget to tell Bev Higgs of any problems or suggestions for improving the off-road riding in South Staffs.

Tony Gregory,
01.08.08

Report from Tony Gregory

The primary purpose of this group is to ensure that the bridleways around Seisdon & Trysull, Lower Penn, Trescott and Pattingham are being maintained in a safe and useable fashion. To this end, our committee members have held meetings with the Rights of Way Officers of Staffordshire County Council. Their Leader, Noreen Moore and her staff have been most helpful, and improvements are being made in several areas.
With input from our Group, bridleways 5 & 6 (Pool Hall) in Lower Penn have been brought right up to standard, with gateways altered to the statutory width of 5ft, trees and hedges cut back and path surfaces improved.
BW 15, Church Lane between Trysull and Seisdon continues to occupy our minds, although the gates have been improved for operation whilst mounted. Fallen trees are now dealt with quite quickly.
BW 23, Wolmore is being inspected following our members’ concerns at the very slippery surface. There may be a possibility to treat the surface to improve the situation. The question of the beet bucket narrowing down the path is being discussed with the farmer.
BW 4, Seisdon Common has had illegal narrow gates erected, and the landowner has been instructed to rectify these. We anticipate that this work will proceed soon.
BW 18, The Elms, Post Office Road. The entrance to this path is extremely slippery for horses and there have been a number of incidents here. The Rangers are considering what treatment can be applied to improve the situation.
Besides the question of bridleways, we are happy to work with the farming Inett family from Furnace Grange to educate riders and carriage drivers in the use of the Permissive Route that they have constructed. We are most grateful for this facility, and ask all users to follow any signs, refrain from galloping, and not to use the paths after heavy rain.

If you think you would like to be involved in our work, why not ask your Chairman Bev Higgs? She comes to all our meetings and will point you in the right direction. You may even want to start a group in your own area to improve your riding routes.

Here’s hoping for a good summer and plenty of safe enjoyable hacking.

Tony Gregory.