'Impassable' bridleway in Wisbech St Mary cut a month early following horse riders' complaints
Published: 10:43 AM June 12, 2015 Updated: 6:17 AM November 4, 2020
MP Steve Barclay with Kerys Jordan. - Credit: Archant
Horse riders' complaints have been listened to over an overgrown bridleway … it has been cut a month earlier than scheduled.
Mr Barclay, MP for North East Cambs, contacted the county council following complaints from riders including Kerys Jordan about the path known as Wisbech St Mary Bridleway 12, which runs below the river bank at Guyhirn.
The bridleway was impassable because of the highly overgrown vegetation and a broken wire fence.
Mr Barclay wrote to the county's network manager to raise concerns that the bridleway was not due to be cut until the middle of July, which meant riders were unable to use it for a large portion of the spring and summer.
Jonathan Clarke, network manager, agreed for the bridleway to be cut on June 8. It will face a further cut next month with an optional cut in October.
He has promised next year it will be cut in May and July meaning it should be usable during the spring months, which were lost to riders this year.
Mrs Jordan said: "This is fantastic news. I can't wait to be able to enjoy hacks out along the bridleway, which is the only one in the village."
Mr Barclay added: "Achieving better accessibility to the open countryside is something I feel very strongly about and have been campaigning for over the past five years.
"Ensuring bridleways and footpaths are maintained so they can be used is vital to ensure the public can enjoy our beautiful countryside, so it's great news the county council has agreed to cut the vegetation."