BOATs Alert
No, Climate Change has not hit Chesham quite so badly yet that our primary mode of transport has suddenly become the dinghy. Maybe next year. This year's BOATs problem arises from a ruling by DEFRA that Trapps Lane, Bottom Lane and Bunns Lane be designated as BOATs (Byways Open to All Traffic).
This overturned the previous decision of Bucks County Council, having been referred to DEFRA on appeal by the Trial Riders Fellowship.
If the DEFRA ruling stands it will mean that these beautiful lanes will become legally accessible to motorcycles and (theoretically) other motor traffic. This would ruin the area for walkers and riders, put them at risk of injury and threaten wildlife.
An Action Group ABC (Action for Bridleways in Chesham) has been set up to coordinate objections to the order that Bucks County Council will be obliged to issue. We are still awaiting this order, however it is likely it will be issued in April.
Once it has, a six week window opens for objections. Owing to the excellent research of ABC there is every chance that this ruling can be overturned so long as there is sufficient public support for the work that they are doing. Please can everyone who cares about this issue get in touch with ABC and find out how they can help?
Contact for ABC is Mel Chapinal on (01494) 778325 or by Email to cheshamboats at btinternet.com. (Please note that the "at" should be replaced by the @ sign e.g. Bloggs@btinterblog.com. The address here is written this way to make the address less likely to be spammed as a consequence of publication).
See also "Messing About in Boats: A Personal View" by Nick Wilkins in the "Articles" section of this site.