Dear Editor

I AM part of a volunteer group that supports the work of Harlow Council’s Biodiversity Team. The last few tasks we have been asked to do is to put in infrastructure to deter the unauthorised use of the woods by horse riders.

I use that word advisedly as Hospital and Risdens Woods is a designated SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). As such any, authorisation to allow horse riding in the woods would have to be part of a plan sent to Natural England (the government organisation responsible for SSSI sites) for their consideration.

As no such plan has been sent no authorisation has been given.

The work was completed just over a week ago and within a few days the structures put in place were vandalised. This was not a “spur of the moment” casual act. It occurred over several days and was organised and pre-meditated by a group of people. No one person could have pulled a six inch diameter post sunk eighteen inches into the ground out by themselves.

A saw was used to cut down other posts leaving a six inch stub as a trip hazard for walkers. A repaired footbridge, partly built from railway sleepers, was completely removed thus leaving an open ditch, again a hazard to walkers.

Some of the posts and one railway sleeper were moved some distance and set fire to. It is also worthy of note that the degree of destruction was just sufficient to allow horses to pass through. This is evidenced by the deposit of fresh horse dung just inside the woods adjacent to one of the vandalised structures. I feel that this level of contempt for authority goes beyond mere vandalism but should be considered criminal damage. I ask the question – What are Harlow Council and our elected councillors going to do about this blatant disregard for authority?

Yours Sincerely

Mike B