A CONTROVERSIAL proposal to create a new strategic bridleway along the former railway line between Thorndon Cross and Halwill has met opposition from landowners along the route. The Devon County Council proposal to create the bridleway following 13 kilometres of privately owned former railway track between Thorndon Cross and Halwill affects around 30 landowners. The route crosses five domestic gardens, two stud farms and several commercial farms. Rachel Chamness, who breeds pedigree Shetland ponies and British spotted ponies at South Blagdon, says she is concerned about opening the track to horse riders, cyclists and walkers. Mrs Chamness says in her experience of already having a bridlepath across her land, a minority of users do not act responsibly. She said on one occasion a valuable pedigree Shetland stallion only 32 inches high had sustained a serious injury on his hind leg. On another occasion she said stock had been worried by uncontrolled dogs accompanied by riders. She said: In practice what happens is the riders get away with all the rights, and the landowner is left with all the damage. ?Horse riding is healthy exercise, and people in this part of Devon have wonderful opportunities for enjoying this pleasure. ?I see no need for new bridleways when the existing ones are used with contempt for farmers.? Richard Hulls, a chartered surveyor and valuer representing many of the families affected, said: ?A feasibility study commissioned by the county council in 2004 concluded there was little economic benefit to local communities from opening new bridleways. ?Other ways are available to improve safety for horse riders without a heavy-handed statutory approach. ?The county council is proposing to make its decision before it has costed the project or agreed a budget. Lack of consultation and an unsympathetic and patronising attitude towards house owners, farmers and business interests means Devon County Council has a fight on its hands.? Devon County Council say it has undertaken to consult on the bridleway proposal. The issue was on the agenda at the meeting of Devon Local Access Forum at County Hall in Exeter this week.
