Horse riders in Castle Point and on Canvey Island are deeply disappointed by the failure of councillors to help them maintain existing bridleways and get new ones for safe riding. Horse riding is a traditional activity that is supported by local residents, but seems to be punished by councillors. There are many problems. Riders suffer from obstructions put in their way by the council and from dangers on the roads. I urge councillors actively to support our local horse riders. I thank and congratulate each and every petitioner. They are good people who just want us politicians to listen to them and to enable them to ride their horses.

The petition states:

The Petition of Paula Holt and others,

Declares that the horse riding community of Castle Point, and Canvey Island in particular, is desperate for safe places to ride in the borough, notes that riding at Waterside Farm, the Northwick Road fields and the sea wall between Haven Road and Northwick Road are now all closed to horse riders because of barriers put up by the council to prevent motorbike riders, but which only actually stop horse riders; further notes that we need more bridleways across the whole borough and that this activity provides exercise and much pleasure for all age groups and is traditional within the borough.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to encourage Essex County Council and Castle Point Borough Council to review bridleway provision in the borough and to ensure that traditional bridleways are maintained, and new and safe bridleways are provided.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.

[P000380]