Having issued a notice for the removal of the barbed wire fence WSCC have now rescinded that order and claim that because it is on private land they cannot act. The fence of ‘lethal’ barbed wire is offensive, inappropriate and ugly along a 200 metre stretch of coastal footpath in an AONB within the SSSI area of Chichester Harbour Conservancy!
The fence adjoins the public footpath and is a serious danger to stumbling adults and toddlers but the fact that the fence is merely single strands of barbed wire does allow dogs to perceive that they can run through and in doing so risk tearing their dogskin. Which as any dog owner who has encountered barbed wire injuries will agree, can be extremely serious.
The fence contravenes the Highways Act 1980 Section 164, “where there is any land adjoining a highway … barbed wire which is likely to be injurious to persons or animals lawfully using the highway, the highway authority may serve notice in writing upon the occupier of the land requiring him to abate the nuisance within a stated time” these are the grounds on which the original order to remove was issued. We would like WSCC to consider the views of the many hundreds of dog walkers and ramblers who regularly walk this pathway for whom it has become a danger as well as an eyesore in this beautiful unspoilt landscape.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
February 20, 2017
February 15, 2017
Seeing the count climb this high feels surreal because I keep expecting the authorities to simply ignore us. It is exhausting work to keep pushing against an agency that changes its mind so easily but this momentum reminds me why we started.
Reached 100 supporters
February 13, 2017
383 Comments
This is far more dangerous to dogs as, due to the sloped angle the middle wire is lower than a normal fence and will catch the back of most average to larger build breeds. Who knows what they were thinking when they carried out the risk assessment?!
Completely agree that the barbed wire fencing along the stretch in question is dangerous and should be removed. When the grass and vegetation grows in summer the bottom row of barbed wire is completely hidden and a real hazard for children and animals.
This fence is hideous and is a very real danger to both people and dogs. Set at an acute angle as it is, it does resemble something from the war, but more importantly, should you stumble, unlike a vertical fence, you cannot save yourself.
The use of barbed wire apart from contravening the highways act is dangerous. I wonder if the landowner has considered that should an accident occur, then he is liable. Hopefully his public liability is sufficient to cover any eventualities.
Having used this coastal path both with pets and on my own I am saddened by this fence which is both unsightly and lethal to both children and animals both pets and wild. By all means protect property with fence but respect the right of others to enjoy this path safely.
The dog I borrow got through the wire fencing. He was then stuck. I had to climb over the barbed wire and lift him back over. This caused clothing to tear and a scratched arm. What useful purpose does the barbed wire serve?
Real concerns over safety with the barbed wire. Needs to be replaced with proper fencing.
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Having issued a notice for the removal of the barbed wire fence WSCC have now rescinded that order and claim that because it is on private land they cannot act. The fence of ‘lethal’ barbed wire is offensive, inappropriate and ugly along a 200 metre stretch of coastal footpath in an AONB within the SSSI area of Chichester Harbour Conservancy!
The fence adjoins the public footpath and is a serious danger to stumbling adults and toddlers but the fact that the fence is merely single strands of barbed wire does allow dogs to perceive that they can run through and in doing so risk tearing their dogskin. Which as any dog owner who has encountered barbed wire injuries will agree, can be extremely serious.
The fence contravenes the Highways Act 1980 Section 164, “where there is any land adjoining a highway … barbed wire which is likely to be injurious to persons or animals lawfully using the highway, the highway authority may serve notice in writing upon the occupier of the land requiring him to abate the nuisance within a stated time” these are the grounds on which the original order to remove was issued. We would like WSCC to consider the views of the many hundreds of dog walkers and ramblers who regularly walk this pathway for whom it has become a danger as well as an eyesore in this beautiful unspoilt landscape.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
February 20, 2017
February 15, 2017
Seeing the count climb this high feels surreal because I keep expecting the authorities to simply ignore us. It is exhausting work to keep pushing against an agency that changes its mind so easily but this momentum reminds me why we started.
Reached 100 supporters
February 13, 2017
383 Comments
I walk this pathway regularly and find this fence to be an absolute hazard not only to animals but all who use it. It is unsightly and to be built within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is criminal. PLEASE do the right thing and take it down.
This is far more dangerous to dogs as, due to the sloped angle the middle wire is lower than a normal fence and will catch the back of most average to larger build breeds. Who knows what they were thinking when they carried out the risk assessment?!
Completely agree that the barbed wire fencing along the stretch in question is dangerous and should be removed. When the grass and vegetation grows in summer the bottom row of barbed wire is completely hidden and a real hazard for children and animals.
This fence is hideous and is a very real danger to both people and dogs. Set at an acute angle as it is, it does resemble something from the war, but more importantly, should you stumble, unlike a vertical fence, you cannot save yourself.
The use of barbed wire apart from contravening the highways act is dangerous. I wonder if the landowner has considered that should an accident occur, then he is liable. Hopefully his public liability is sufficient to cover any eventualities.
Having used this coastal path both with pets and on my own I am saddened by this fence which is both unsightly and lethal to both children and animals both pets and wild. By all means protect property with fence but respect the right of others to enjoy this path safely.
The dog I borrow got through the wire fencing. He was then stuck. I had to climb over the barbed wire and lift him back over. This caused clothing to tear and a scratched arm. What useful purpose does the barbed wire serve?
Real concerns over safety with the barbed wire. Needs to be replaced with proper fencing.
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I walk this pathway regularly and find this fence to be an absolute hazard not only to animals but all who use it. It is unsightly and to be built within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is criminal. PLEASE do the right thing and take it down.