Readers attack council decision not to back bike trails
NEWS Telegraph readers have slammed a district council decision to turn down a group that wanted to set up official mountain bike trails in Bradley Wood.
The town council’s environment committee unanimously agreed not to pursue a proposal by Ashbourne resident and experienced trail builder Stuart Mcleod that would have seen an association set up to manage the trails in the publicly owned beauty spot.
Councillors concluded the wood was not the appropriate location, largely on the grounds of public safety and in a bid to protect its precious flora and fauna.
Mr Mcleod had shown up in person at an earlier town council meeting to explain that riders were using the wood and building amateur obstacles, but he promised to ensure a safer network of official trails would be skilfully constructed, away from the public paths, and subject to scrutiny by a local ecologist.
But the environment committee, which continues to invest time and money into protecting the wood from motorbikes and in increasing its biodiversity, voted to have the plan vetoed.
News Telegraph readers have responded to the decision over the last week, since we published the story on our Facebook page and almost all comments left by locals were against the decision.
One reader, Rachel Richards, said: “What an absolute shame. Can’t believe that they categorically said no, without any consideration.
“It’s not only about the kids but adults too, how can people be so against supporting an activity that promotes being outside and supports health and wellbeing?
“We have just had the Olympics that has inspired a whole generation to participate in sports that like mountain biking, Bmxing and skateboarding, yet here we have a council that should be supporting, promoting and harnessing these activities, they are slamming them down and refusing our children’s development and mental health.
“At times it’s an embarrassment to say this is where I live. What a shame Ashbourne Town Council, I do hope you reconsider your very poor decision.”
Another reader, Gareth Nash, said: “Massive shame but not a surprise. For people who are afraid of what is being proposed, there wouldn’t be any concrete or trees cut down, it would use the landscape and follow the wood.
“You would barely notice a wellmade MTB trail and walkers and bikers would never cross paths.
“If you think it would become too busy, how many house’s are being built just behind the wood?” And Sophie Roy Eames said: “People mountain bike there anyway. The only difference is it could be safer if it was an official location.” Mr Mcleod who has worked with other councils to create managed trails and associations in other parts of the country, told the News Telegraph last week he was disappointed at the outcome.
But he said he would continue to pursue the idea of bring a trail to the town centre and look at other areas where it might be possible. Environment committee members did say they were in favour of the idea in principle, and even offered to support Mr Mcleod if he found another location, but all five committee members concluded Bradley Wood was “not the right location”.
How can people be so against supporting an activity that promotes health and wellbeing?
Rachel Richards