At last a final result. Underwood Lane, Dyer’s Piece Lane and the northern end of Westerngate Road are now all cleared and passable. The gates are out (although we are aware that the gate posts are still in place) and the overhanging branches removed and much of the over growth has been cut back.
These gates were installed and padlocked shortly after we submitted applications to have the routes legally recorded as bridleways. They were installed to prevent riders from using routes we had always ridden. After many years of legalities, Underwood Lane and Dyer’s Piece Lane are now recorded as restricted byways and the northern end of Westerngate Road is recorded as a bridleway. Now they are legally recorded they will be available in perpetuity for future generations.
It is time for the horse riders and carriage drivers to revisit these old haunts and enjoy the peace and safety of these lovely and picturesque routes. Please be aware of the wet weather and take care to walk where the ground is soft. We also extend our thanks to the adjacent landowners and Somerset Council for undertaking the significant clearance work needed to open the route.
We are proud of the result, and grateful to the British Horse Society who provided legal support throughout the long drawn out legal processes.
We hope there are other successes coming soon.
