They are here already, all year round. But did you know the landowner that is trying to block the community path is concerned about them too?

let’s examine the full text of one of their submissions against the April 2024 path order in detail:

‘The creation and proposed design of the new bridleway will lead to an increase in illegal access by motorbikes. Motorbikes are already a significant problem in Badgerdell Wood, Bush Wood, Round Wood and the surrounding area where they cause nuisance and damage. They are also a danger to legitimate users of the existing footpaths and bridleways. The creation of a 4m wide surfaced bridleway will inevitably make this problem worse as it will likely to be used as a racetrack.

The options for controlling motorbikes on a bridleway are extremely limited when it needs to be accessible by cyclists and horse riders. We are concerned about the lack of any proposal to control illegal access by motorbikes’

This Objection is easily refuted and discredited. As a speculative overseas land investor the owners of Inions Farm have no direct interest in local issues beyond development potential. As they do not manage or use the land directly themselves it makes their claim very remote and questionable. Their concerns about this cannot be considered to be genuine from the point of view of local residents who witness this on a regular basis. The inconvenience of having no walkway is far more of a problem to them. Nobody is lobbying for the closure of the Nickey line because of dirtbikes. Greenways like this in the region are mostly enjoyed and used for legal purposes.

It is an existing issue in the area. But that is a matter for local law enforcement rather than a justification for blocking legitimate public access to local amenities. They may claim the greenway as a potential racetrack. But I wonder if they are aware of what Chaul End Road is like?

Barriers and design measures can guard against misuse, as can active use of the path by local residents who are known for their vigilance. Would an Alderney fisherman have much credibility if they opposed the opening of a sweetshop in Chingford on the grounds that it might encourage shoplifting?

Objection 1 is obscure, unjustifiable, it cannot override the interest, access, inclusivity and safety of the majority of our community.

Don’t wait for the meeting with the council and Case in two weeks time. Take the easy road and just withdraw this objection now!

We will discuss the land compensation objection in the next update…..