Issue - meetings

Sharon Holt reported that horse riders currently only had access to twenty two per cent of public rights of way and horse-drawn vehicle drivers only five percent. Sharon tabled a letter from the British Horse Society that included a quote from Richard Benyon MP about allowing horse riders to utilise more of their off-road networks. This suggested multi-user routes could be developed if local authorities were co-operative. At a local level it suggested it would be possible to add to the bridle circuit map where horse boxes could park and who carriage drivers could contact to open gates. It was reported that there should be no obstructions with legal carriage ways.

Feedback on different areas where horse riders could ride should be forwarded to Sharon Holt.

(Action: All)

Gill Coates was no longer involved with access issues dealt with by the British Horse Society. Sharon queried how the new woodchip surface on Crouch Lane had survived through the winter, and queried whether another lane would be opened up for horse riders where a lane came out on a busy bend.

Innes McEwen reported that he had completed a higher level stewardship application scheme for the farm. Gate locks had been cut and rural crime was on the increase. It was suggested that suspicious vehicles be reported to Hugh, Innes or the Crown Estate Office. Work was being undertaken with the police in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. It was suggested that there could be a prompt sheet for suspicious things to look out for. This would be drafted for consultation.

(Action: Hugh Fitzwilliams)