East Gloucestershire Fear and loathing in the Cotswolds

Vehicle users implored to stay away after vandals ignore temporary closure of much-loved ford in East Gloucestershire

One of the longest fords in England has been closed – albeit only temporarily while repairs are carried out to the ramparts of an adjoining raised footpath which has partially collapsed into the water. The ford, through which a track between the villages of Duntisbourne Abbots and Duntisbourne Leer follows the course of a small river bed for several hundred yards, is very close to a number of houses – whose owners have traditionally been very tolerant of motor vehicle users.

There’s a danger of this changing, however, as a number of 4x4 drivers and motorcyclists have ignored the closure signs. The raised footpath runs adjacent to the stream bed, and there have been instances of motorcyclists riding along it – and of 4x4s knocking down barriers placed across the track and ploughing on through the ford, running over sandbags placed in it to try and prevent further damage. Understandably, this has led to growing anti-vehicle sentiment among residents, even though the responsible users who would normally be among their only visitors are currently staying away.

Aside from the curiosity of the ford, which is notably scenic in its nature, the lane itself is hardly a challenge. It’s hard not to speculate that while it’s closed, vandals are targeting it as an opportunity to do damage and cause trouble. The Green Lane Association has implored its members to respect the closure while it remains in place – though of course anyone who would ignore it and vandalise a right of way like this is hardly likely to be a member in the fi rst place.

ELSEWHERE IN THE EAST GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGION, GLASS rep Richard Loveday has been at work to ensure legal access remains unhindered on a number of rights of way. One, an unclassifi ed county road near Salperton, has been blocked by illegal obstructions including large logs and a steel barrier, while incorrect Restricted Byway signs have been erected on two sections of the Macmillan Way near Rodmarton, both of which are byways.

The obstructions have been reported to the local authority – which, Richard says, has responded quickly and has already passed the matter to its legal department to facilitate enforcement work. The incorrect signs, meanwhile, are being investigated – but even while they remain in place, the lanes in question are classed as Byways Open to All Traffi c on Gloucestershire County Council’s Defi nitive Map and can therefore be driven legally.