UPDATE: 25 July 2009
The issue was discussed at the Mineral Tramways Partnership meeting on July 24. It is clear that the problem of travellers illegal camping is serious and expensive to the Council if not prevented on their land. Currently the barrier is seen as essential until other progison is available for travellers. This is despite it being totally inconvenient to riders and many other residents and tourists. Apparently a recently got locked in Portreath Car park by a barrier at tea time.
The good news is that special parknig provision for horses boxes it being planned for a new carpark at the Goss Moor Trail. this will be separate from the main carpark and will be classed as "highway".from which travellers can be removed if they arrive.
It was agreed that the possibilty of a similar type of solution will be investigated for the Great Flat Lode Carpark.
FULL STORY BELOW FIRST POSTED May 2008
UPDATE: 20 May 2008 - See below - or Click Here
Seeing that Sunday 11 May was a nice day a few members of our bridleway group decided to visit the Great Flat Lode Trail for a ride. There is a lovely large carpark at South Wheal Francis, one of the few places we could park in safety.
We now found the barrier (right) has been installed - to stop 'travellers'.
We therefore had to park and tack up our horses on the road, much to the frustration of ourselves and passing motorists, of which there were plenty.
The pictures below show the problems we encountered
The Land Rover pictured (right) only cleared the barrier by millimetres.
The Trails are marketed as a facility for all, Walkers, Horse Riders and Cyclists. The carpark now only caters for dog walkers. More adventurous visitors often have larger vehicles and/or roof racks - these are now all barred.
The County Council is rightly proud of its provision for riders with its Multiuser trails. This is fine for the lucky few riders who live next to them or can ride to them without using busy roads.
THERE IS NOW NO PROVISION FOR THE PARKING OF HORSE BOXES - WHERE ARE VISITING RIDERS SUPPOSED TO PARK?
WE WANT TO KNOW!
THE GOSS MOOR TRAILS ARE JUST BEING OPENED - AGAIN Despite lobbying, the nice highways people have just provided parking for cars.
THE TRAILS ARE THEREFORE ONLY ACCESSABLE IF YOU KEEP YOUR HORSE NEAR THEM.
After a week of protest by you the riders, and numerous email exchanges we understand the issue has been referred back to the Mineral Tramways Partnership for resolution.
It is Kerrier District Council who owns the land and has put up the barrier.
I am now hopeful that the barrier will go in its current form.
A proposal for key access for riders was never tenable or workable.
Watch this space!
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM THAT REQUIRES THE BARRIERS?
To my knowledge it is one incidence of travellers parking their caravans.
The logic of this decision, if not countered, is that EVERY CARPARK will be barred to us and to visitors with larger vehicles, motorhomes etc.
LOOKING DOWN THE WRONG END OF THE TELESCOPE COMES TO MIND.
PLEASE LET US KNOW OF YOUR PARKING EXPERIENCES WITH BOXES bhsaccesscornwall@btinternet.com
We expressed our concern when the scheme was first proposed in February, we were promised consulation by Kerrier DC but it never happenned. As we pointed out, organised events are one issue. Mr and Mrs Dogwalker do not have to ook in advance to park each time they take their dog for a walk.
The problem is for casual users and visitors - Clearly the deemed solution is that we now have to park on the road causing obstruction and frustration to all, and unnecessary danger. - No one contacted us as promised to discuss the issues further.
We want to know where holiday makers with larger vehicles are supposed to park - no one has answered that question either!
Whatever happened to "One and All".
Footnote: The County Council have recently removed all the horse stiles on the trail which were very effective in deterring motorbikes. Lets hope that these barriers can go the same way. - No joined up or consistant thinking!
