No Horse Riding Here!

I want to voice my strong protest and stand with those residents in Millbank Street. They are concerned about proposals to allow horses and riders to use land that is unsuitable for this activity at the rear of homes in Millbank Street. The reasons for mysupport for residents are these.

• The land has only one access via Millbank Street, and that would mean that horses and handlers would have to share a long very narrow access to reach/leave the land. This would expose the handler and the horse to health and safety issues because of its unsuitability for such activity. If a horse was frightened it could trample the handlers feet .Or cause an injury to the horse.
• In the event of an accident/fire/ or other emergency there is only one access/egress point, for riders, spectators and horses to vacate the site. This in itself would create health and safety issues.
• The road traffic on Millbank Street and Wolmer Road would increase and create a hazard at a busy junction, as multiple riders and spectators would likely want to attend events and activity on the site.
• This would antagonise a quiet residential neighbourhood, exposing the residents to increase on street vehicle movements and increased noise.
• During the summer period with horses being grazed and being ridden the horses will defecate and pass urine on the enclosed site. This is likely to lead to unpleasant smells and an increase in insects including biting flies -like horse fly. This could endanger young children playing in their back gardens and in close proximity to the enclosed land.
• There would likely be increased noise also affecting back gardens due to the excited nature of those attending the riding sessions.
• An environmental impact study must take place before any such intensive use of the land by an activity of this nature is undertaken. Newts are found in the damper parts of gardens and there is every chance that they will be living in this land that is by its nature is less used and is likely a local and diverse habitat.
Residents are demanding that the owners of the property Wolverhampton Council refuse permissions for this change of use. I am sure that Wednesfield North Labour Party will also support this stance. It will be discussed at the next meeting of Ward Party at the end of June.