WHILST congratulating all concerned on the recent opening of the Drake Trail between Horrabridge and Whitchurch, I think it is worth remembering that access to it is not yet fully complete.

The planned pathway alongside the Halfway House at Grenofen would have joined the trail by the tunnel entrance, but although work on it started many months ago, it is still not finished. Without that link there are very few safe and convenient ways of joining the cycle track between Horrabridge and Whitchurch.

I gather that planning permission for the Grenofen link has been submitted but procurement of the strip of land could be an issue. Whatever the reasons behind the hold-up, can I urge everyone involved to get the matter resolved as quickly as possible? Having invested so much in building the new bridge and refurbishing the old railway tunnel it seems a pity to 'spoil the ship' by not completing the access at Grenofen.

Rob Jones

via email

I READ with interest (Times, November 1) the problems encountered on the Drake's Trail between cyclists and dog owners.

Can anyone tell me why cyclists don't appear to have warning bells on their bikes any more or, if they do, why don't they use them?

Bikes don't make much noise at all on a cycle track and older people often find it difficult to hear cyclists coming up behind them.

Also, not everyone is prepared to let dogs off lead if there is stock in the fields adjacent to a track. Therefore, extending leads are very useful but, it is almost impossible to see the lead cord which unheard bikes could run into and cause a possible bad accident, especially if there is a group of them.

No one wants to spoil a pleasant walk or ride, so surely the tinkle of a warning bell could ensure this and keep everyone happy.

Gill Squires

Cyclist and dog owner