Wooden Bridges Warning!!

O

Oscar

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I've just had a narrow escape on my hack this morning. On one of our bridleways there is a narrow wooden bridge that we have to cross - the horses are fine with it but it's down a small steep hill then a sharp bend across a small stream, obscured by overgrown bushes. Anyway this morning we went out as normal and Casper put his foot on the bridge and seemed to just stumble and then trip and jogged across the bridge - I turned and looked back and the bridge had a huge hole in it that wasn't there as we approached it

I checked his legs and they were fine - but OH was behind me on his horse who is a lot bigger and heavier than Casper and he had to get off and lead him over the bridge avoiding the hole that Casper had made!! Now I often walk the dogs over this bridge and I've always worried it doesn't seem sturdy enough for horses but it's a public bridleway so should be up to standard!! I've rung the Council but they have said it could take them up to 10 days to get out and check it!! - I told her I hope no one falls and breaks their neck on it. So I said I will go back later and put a big warning sign up.

It could have been a really nasty accident for both of us, if he'd fallen there is no room for me to go so I'd have been under him and if he'd panicked I could've been seriously injured - so be careful if you have to cross bridges etc. I shall be avoiding that route from now on until I feel it is safe enough.

Our local rights of way officer was laid off recently due to all the cutbacks!!
 
The council should be treating this like any other 'highway' defect. Try and report the defect online using Fix My Street and also via the councils website
http://www.fixmystreet.com/?keyword...id=813245319&gclid=CMnymtuKhqwCFRRc4Qodd1CG8w
The reason for doing this is that if the defect then isnt fixed promptly, and someone god forbid DOES have a serious accident, then the council wont be able to wriggle out of liability.
 
I would write to the Access Department of your local County Council enclosing some pictures. Send by Royal Mail Special delivery so that there is no doubt that they have received the letter.
 
Phew lucky escape!

Find out who your BHS bridleway officer is and contact them! They seem to have a bit of weight when dealing with councils!
 
Had a similar problem with a hazard on a bridleway. Someone had put up a handwritten warning sign for riders but there was nothing offical. Rang the parish council who were aware of the problem but said they didn't have the funds to deal with it straight away.
Told the woman on the phone that I hoped their budget would cover them being sued if a horse or rider was injured, as she was aware of the problem but choose not to resolve the issue causing the hazard.
Contacted the County Council's highways department who apparently had told the parish councillor to do the work for health and safety reasons, and lo and behold, 2 days later the work was done.
 
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