Council pledges to take action over ‘dangerous’ bridleway in Derbyshire after concerns raised

The Derbyshire County Council (DCC) bridleway is located on land owned by Moss Valley Fine Meats, off the B6056 at Coal Aston.

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Stephen and Oliver Thompson, of Moss Valley Fine Meats, told the Derbyshire Times: "The bridleway has been in a dangerous state for around 18 months now.

“Floods over the months have left ruts in it around 12 to 18 inches deep in some places.

“It's used by horse riders and our insurance company reckons we could possibly be liable if someone falls off and gets seriously injured or, even worse, killed.”

Stephen said he decided to get in touch with the Derbyshire Times as he had contacted DCC about the issue ‘numerous time’ but felt ‘ignored’ by the authority.

“It's getting to the point where I'm having sleepless nights,” he added.

“It's not good at all and we feel very let down."

The Derbyshire Times put the concerns to DCC and sent the authority pictures of the bridleway in its current condition.

A DCC spokesperson said: “We’re aware of the issues with this bridleway and it is on the list of jobs to be done this financial year.

“At the moment we are scheduling jobs, so can’t say when the work will be carried out.

“However, having received the photographs we will close the bridleway as soon as possible until after the work is carried out.

“We hope knowing this will be helpful for Mr Thompson.”

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A message from Phil Bramley, Derbyshire Times editor

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