DEFRA have issued their decision based on the consultation on BOATS read it here

The meeting held on 22^nd Jan was well attended and volunteers have now been divided into groups to research evidence regarding each of the bridleways affected by BOAT applications in our area. Representatives from BOBB (Bikes off Bucks Bridleways) kindly gave up their time to come along and give us some advice about the sort of maps and documents we can consult. The groups will now be visiting the County Archives and libraries over the next month or so, and we will be having another meeting, probably in early March, to report back on what everybody has found.

If you would like to volunteer to be part of a small group researching evidence against the BOAT applications, as reported below (29^th October), please come along to a meeting on 22nd Jan at 8pm at Chesham High School. There will be one group per BOAT application and their job will be to visit the County Records office in search of any evidence which suggests that the bridleways have never been vehicular public rights of way. If you would like to be part of this activity but can’t get to the meeting, please let Chris Dutton know on 01494 785279. Also, if you have independently been doing any research on this issue, please let us know so we don’t double up.

A list of the bridleways affected is available here.

CDBA held a meeting on 16^th October to discuss the way forward towards opposing the applications which have been made to have some of our bridleways re-classified as Byways Open to All Traffic. These applications are being made by the Trail Riders Fellowship and affect bridleways all over the country, not just in our area. If successful, they would have huge safety implications for riders, who already have to cope with busy roads and a lack of safe routes. Walkers, cyclists and nearby residents would also be adversely affected.

Pat Lindsley of Bucks County Council was there to answer questions and approximately 55 local riders attended to express their concern.

There are two possible ways of stopping these changes from happening:

1. Find superior evidence showing that the tracks should not be established as BOATS – this would then move on to a public enquiry which would be based on EVIDENCE only - NOT the suitability or otherwise of the tracks.
2. A change in the law which would prevent future applications from being made. John Mann, MP for Bassetlaw, has tabled an Early Day Motion which asks for a change of law to close the loophole.

What is CDBA going to do to oppose these BOAT applications?

The committee is meeting on 20^th November to discuss the plan of action further but it will be based on:

1. Immediate letter writing to Local MPS and Ministers to raise the issue and seek their support for the Early Day Motion.
2. Gathering volunteers to make up small task forces (3-4 people) for each application. These task forces will research evidence to the contrary.
3. Co-ordinate action with other groups such as BOBB.

What can you do to get involved?

1. Thank you to all those of you who have already volunteered to be part of the evidence-gathering task forces. If anyone else would like to be part of one of these groups please contact one of the committee members or e-mail webmaster@chesham-bridleways.org.uk. This will involve visiting the County Archives in Aylesbury to research old maps and records for any indication that these tracks were either not used by vehicles or were private.
2. Write to your own MP and to other MPs making them aware of the issue and the strength of feeling about it. Encourage them to press for a change in the law which would prevent motor vehicles from using tracks previously only used by horses, walkers and cart.