Save this business, its jobs, and the amenity for the people of Telford, the environment, the wildlife, and the last stretch of natural countryside on the east of Telford.

The Nedge Farm Riding School is situated just to the east of the A442 Eastern Primary. It is accessed from Naird Lane, Telford. The lane is very narrow and just about OK for cyclists and cars. There are two low bridges to go under, one is only 12 foot 9 inches high not suitable for high heavy goods vehicles. There is access from the Shifnal side, a much longer route, no bridges, but just as narrow. Both routes totally unsuitable for a housing estate, unless there is considerable destruction to hedgerows and who knows what else.

The Nedge Farm Riding School has been giving first class service to the residents of Telford and other areas for 17 years. This is more than about losing a business, a few jobs, and the well being of some horses and ponies. It is the loss of an environment that has existed, in parts for over 100 years, and other parts for many 100’s more.

For the sake of about 300 houses this green and pleasant land will be lost forever. There are many special features of this area we should work to keep.

• The riding school and the services they offer for all the community include:
• The only one in Telford catering for people suffering from psychological illness.
• Riding instruction for the disabled.
• Riding and jumping for the more able and advanced.
• A safe place for show jumping, dressage, gymkhanas, dog obedience, and pony rides.
• They plan to start horse driving; this is especially useful if you are unable to get on a horse back.

The riding school exists because it is set in unspoilt country side. It is an area that forms a natural buffer from any possible development from Shifnal, Shropshire and Wolverhampton which TWC have no control over. It is the last part of a green corridor around the east side of Telford. This corridor contains pastures, paddocks, ancient hedgerows and indigenous  trees. It supports life for a wide biodiversity; there is a stream, everything to support a wide variety of fauna and flora.

Too much of the open spaces around Telford are being taken over for building of houses and industry, it is getting hemmed in. We do need more housing and industry but this small place is special. It is currently open land accessible to all. Residents in The Nedge can walk there; they will have to walk a lot further if it is built on.

The Council in their Telford Local Plan 2015 – 31 make a big deal of how they are going to protect the green environment in paragraph 3.24, Policy SP3. I am not sure they have looked as this site. The paragraph contradicts how TWC want to fill in many of Telfords open green spaces .

We are very fortunate to have a lot of support from the riding school, obviously, their clients, interested residents, and Lucy Allan MP for Telford, Borough Councillor Connor Furnivall, and Parish Councillor Greg Sinclair

There are only a few days left before consultation closes. Please help to change the decision of Telford and Wrekin Council and sign the petition to stop this special place being built on. Also, please share this petition on your Facebook pages, invite your friends, tell everyone.

Thank you for your support.

Councillor Greg Sinclair

Please note:
Although this petition has the support of an MP and Councillors it is their point of view and not of any Office or Parish they belong to.