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BHS CALLS FOR BRIDLEWAYS TO BE
OPENED |
The British Horse Society is calling for more
rights of way to be opened up in the countryside. The equestrian industry is
losing over £100m a month and much of this is directly attributable to the
closure of our rights of way.
While some local authorities are responding to the government's call to open up
the countryside, there are still too many who have not opened rights of way
that carry no risk and in some cases are in purely arable land. The BHS urges
local authorities to give priority to opening up the few rights of way that are
open to horses. A great many people depend for their livelihood on these paths
being open, not just for recreation.
BHS Chief Executive Kay Driver said "Trekking centres and other tourism
based riding establishments around the country have had no income since
February and are in real danger of going under. It is important that the
bridleway network is opened up soon, if the equestrian tourism industry of this
country is to survive."
"Horse riders have shown themselves to be highly responsible during this
crisis, winning praise from farmers' organisations, and no doubt they will
continue to be vigilant. The BHS would like to encourage farmers and landowners
everywhere to now support the equestrian industry. The time has come for
sensible risk assessments to be done so that paths can be opened. We are all
keeping to MAFF guidelines."
The present foot and mouth crisis has shown just how important the rights of
way network is to the rural economy.
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