Author: chris bargman

Improved latch and general update

Repair work was started earlier in the year on the route on the common previously dmaaged by tractors and it is much better. Some further repairs have been requested when things dry up again. The loggers now have a route through the wood so should no longer need to use the bridleway to extract timber. There is one very wet section 1/2 way up the common which idealy needs some drainage work.

The improved drainage (see post 30th sep 2011) is holding up very well but should still be avoided if possible when very wet conditions to avoid damaging it too much.

New easy lift catch added to gate at end of Crammer Gutter and hinges adjusted on a couple of gates to make them self close.

New Gate

A new metal wicket gate has been installed of the road at the NE end of the route. Works well but is a bit difficult to reach the catch. Something we could look at improving. This route is a RUPP but has been closed by council for repairs. They are in process of improving the route on the common (badly damaged by 4x4s). Not a major problem as most horse riders tend to use a route avoiding the damage slightly to the N across the common which is OK.

Improvements

The council have moved the gate at the Nunnery end which is now much safer and easier to open. They have also done some drainage work but we will have to see how well this works. They have also put in a new gate at the north end of the path just up from the cattle grid (there was no gate there before but this is where the route should start). They have not cleared the route from this gate and it is not clear which way to go on the common. I have spoken to council about this. If they do not do anything we may need a work party to clear the route.

Now that this route and new gate has been put in we can look at the permissive route around the back of the green to join up with route J.

Damage to Route on Common

The route on Catherton Common has recently been damaged by log extraction machinery creating deep ruts but is still passable with care although not very nice on foot.

The landowner (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) and council are aware and are making plans to have the route made good. A site meeting was held by SWT and council byways officers and their plan is to temporarily re-route the path while it is so wet and then get the people who did the damage to repair the route when it is drier. We will have to wait and see what comes of this.

Major Improvement Works to Drainage

Work was done over 3 days to put in drainage to improve the area that has always been a problem towards the Prescott end of the path whenever it is wet. Stephen and John did most of the work with help from various others including myself, Pete, Arthur, Cyril, Clare. Funding for the digger work, stone and pipe was provided via the grant we received from the Cleobury Country pot of the Local Joint Committee (thanks to Clare for organising this) plus a match funding contribution from ourselves in labour and our own funds. We hope this work will show benefits to this important route in our area.

Promotion of Our Activities

A poster has been created to try to encourage more help/involvement from local riders with the theme “Your Bridleways Need You”. Click here for poster

We are also hoping to have an article in the Cleobury Clarion. The editor has been in-touch to see when we are next having a work party so he can take some pictures and put together an article.