Here in Bath and NE Somerset one of the smaller areas of disagreement has been on the area of multi use paths. Footpaths that can be used by walkers, runners, cyclists and horseriders. The Liberal Democrats are  support the concept that all paths should be shared access and that we should be promoting as wide an access to as many linked paths and routes as possible. In contrast the Conservatives are trying by all means to slow things down, fragment route options and put the onus onto horse riders to establish need.

We have been running a trial for quite a while now. The results showed a success for the trial. But what a response from the Conservatives. A grudging minimal acceptance with paths disrupted so as to minimise their use and  a policy change by stealth.  What is it about Conservatives that they are seemingly always trying to stop progress.

Decision report at this LINK

Decision register at this LINK

For good information on the Trails Trust and its objectives click on this LINK

So I have just launched a Call-in campaign on this flawed decision and will see if I can get it changed.

Call-In Request of decision E1821: ‘Equestrian Access on pedestrian and cycle paths – multi user trial review’ (WL 20-Feb-09)

We the undersigned call on the Cabinet member for Customer Services, Cllr Charles Gerrish, to reconsider the following aspects of his decision for the following reasons:

Paragraph 2.1:

·         We believe that the trials have proved to be a success and that they should be continued.

·         The arguments on widths at various sections have arisen from a misunderstanding of the TA90 regulations and have not taken into account that in places the width restrictions are in fact made by Council signs. Indeed TA90 cannot be applied to existing paths.

·         We are concerned that the report considers the position taken by South Glos but ignores the position taken by Somerset on the principle of multi use.

·         We are concerned that the future potential for long distance trails is being lost by this piecemeal approach and that in the long term connectivity of the many trials will be of enormous financial, social and health benefit.

·         We believe that the reason of unsuitability and conflict is wrong as shown in Government reports in 2000 and 2002.

·         The Sustrans Director for the Nations and Regions, Andy Wistow, has stated that shared use paths can be as narrow as 2.5 to 3 metres wide. Sustrans are building multi-use paths across the country and this is being accepted elsewhere.

Paragraph 2.5:

·         We believe that this recommendation changes the policy position of the Council by stealth. Currently the Council policy is for inclusive access whilst this recommendation changes the evidence so that horse riders will have to establish a need. We believe that Council policy should not be changed without a full discussion and debate with Councillors and the public.

·         Riding is a growing means of transport and leisure and if paths and routes can be connected then over time a series of long distance trails can be set up which will benefit tourism, health and leisure.

·         As we move to a world without cheap oil then it is in everyone’s interest  to have the widest range of multi use paths.

Signed by:  1.         Councillor Paul Crossley (lead)