Trisha Mentzel gave an update on the multi-user sub group. There had initially been a suggestion for a horse route to be created at the back of Ockwells Park, by Thrift Wood on the south side of the cut. However, this area of land was often very wet and muddy and therefore was not suitable for horse riders. The north side of the cut was more suitable and connected with another bridleway. There was difficulty getting across, there was an old agricultural bridge along with a wooden pedestrian bridge. The wooden bridge had a step up so it needed to be altered, but this would allow those in wheelchairs and horse riders to use the bridge. Jacqui Wheeler had contacted engineers at the council about this but had not yet heard back.

Councillor Sharpe asked if the bridge could be used by both disabled people and horse riders.

Trisha Mentzel said that there was the potential for both groups to use the bridge but not at the same time.

Jacqui Wheeler said that the bridge would need to be checked before any changes could be made, it was originally built for pedestrians only. Once it had been checked, horse riders would be able to use it. This showed that RBWM wanted to give horse riders permitted access to get them off the roads.

Councillor Sharpe asked why this was happening, horse riders made up a very small percentage of the population.

The Chairman explained that it was an area that could be used by horse riders and would help to get them off the road. The LAF was equal amongst all users but sharing disabled and horse access would be difficult so a lot of work would need to be done.

Councillor Haseler said that he was surprised to hear the proposals that had been outlined in the update. The last thing he had heard was that horse riders would be given permission to ride south of the cut. He felt that it would be good to consult with the two local councillors, himself and Councillor McWilliams. There had been an outcry from local residents when horse riders had been using this area in the past and therefore the LAF needed to be mindful. Councillor Haseler said that he was not against horse riders using the area, it was just important to be mindful of public expectations. Social media could be used to communicate with residents and make them aware of the changes that could happen.

The Chairman agreed that better communication was needed but clarified that the proposals were not a definite plan.

Mark Howard also agreed with the point on better communication being vital. In his area, there were not many horse riders but a significant number of cyclists and pedestrians. He felt that the focus on resources for each group should be balanced proportionally.

Lisa Hughes commented on the size of each user group being considered. 1 in 6 people in the borough had a disability and the amount of money that was provided for improvements to footpaths and pavements should therefore reflect this. Lisa Hughes lived in the north of the borough and often walked her dog in Pinkneys Green. There was a permitted path for horse riders and there had been no incidents between horses and other pedestrians. Lisa Hughes questioned what the issue was with the bridge that had been discussed, there was a small percentage of wheelchair users and they could still get out of the way if a horse was coming.

The Chairman said that everyone in the borough paid council tax and therefore all were entitled to their freedom. It could be hard to judge how many of each group there were and some parts of the borough would not be suitable for all users. Cyclists received more capital than anyone but the LAF was looking at routes where all users could use them.

Mark Howard said it was important to communicate decisions effectively on how and why they had been made, particularly justifying the financial rationale. This had been a problem in Bisham, where a large amount of money was spent on a bridleway and a number of residents had raised it as an issue.

The Chairman said he agreed with the comments on communication.

Jacqui Wheeler said that having the bridleway access on the north side of the cut was not confirmed, it was an ongoing situation. A lot of work would be needed on the south side of the cut to allow horse riders to use this land, the surface on the north side was more appropriate. The proposals would be consulted on and communicated with residents and interested parties before a decision was made.

Trisha Mentzel said that horse riding usually did not produce any incidents with other path users, so it should not be an issue in this area.