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4 May 01Countryside Footpaths re-open in Poole
The Borough of Poole is currently working on the advice of the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (MAFF) to reduce the risk of Foot and Mouth disease developing in Poole.
Dorset is currently free of the disease and the Council has reviewed the closures of sites/rights of way within Poole. Additional paths and sites are now being opened to the public. Two sections of Public Footpath remain closed and, whilst all open space areas are now open, access to some parts of Upton Country Park and Corfe Hills Local Nature Reserve will continue to be restricted.
However, access to these paths and sites now being opened is on condition that the public follow government guidelines to prevent the spread of the disease, and in particular:
do not go near sheep, cows, goats, pigs or deer
do not leave waste food or feed any animal
keep dogs on short leads at all times
use disinfectant where provided
Restrictions may be re-introduced if the public fails to follow these guidelines or the situation regarding the disease deteriorates. The public should not visit the sites listed below unless they are prepared to follow these guidelines.
As from 9.00 am on Saturday 5th May 2001 access to areas formerly closed will be permitted on the following basis (note: it may take some time to update signs on the ground) :
1. Ashington/Corfe Hills area
Ashington Cutting public open space - open subject to government guidelines
Public Footpath No. 3 (off Ashington Lane) - open subject to government guidelines
Corfe Hills public open space at Rushcombe Bottom and Barrow Hill, including Public Footpath No. 2 and part of Bridleway No. 1 (The Roman Road from Higher Blandford Road to Merley Park Road) – no public access to grazing areas on public open space (note stock is due to be introduced to some areas shortly) but remainder of site and public rights of way now open subject to government guidelines
2. Talbot Heath area
Public open space at Talbot Heath including Public Footpaths Nos. 15, 33, 34, 35, 36 and Bridleway No. 37- Part of footpath No. 33 closed, ie approximately 230 m running north-west from East Avenue (but diversion around this in place on Talbot Heath) and remainder of site and public rights of way open subject to government guidelines
3. Merley area
Public Footpath No. 31 and Bridleways Nos.113, 114 (adjacent to Merley Hall Farm) - open subject to government guidelines
Public Footpaths Nos. 92 and 30 (Oakley Hill to Canford Magna - part of Castleman Trailway) - open subject to government guidelines
4. Gravel Hill area
Public Footpath No. 96 Gravel Hill to Arrowsmith Road. - open subject to government guidelines
5. Canford Magna area
Footpaths No. 29 and 112 - footpath from Knighton Farm to Longham remains closed but footpath from Knighton Farm to Canford Magna open subject to government guidelines
6. Upton Country Park area
Upton Country Park (including Cycle Way) and Public Footpath No. 7 (Ropers Lane to Allens Lane). Some areas within Upton Country Park remain closed but majority of trails are open subject to government guidelines (note dogs must be kept on short leads in all areas).
Visitors must use disinfectant mats provided for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and dogs. Drivers must drive slowly over the entrance mat and cyclists should dismount.
Clive Smith, Acting Head of Leisure Services, said: "We would like to thank the public for their co-operation over the last few weeks and apologise for any inconvenience caused. We hope the public will recognise the efforts being made by the Council and the local farming community to re-open the countryside and will follow the government’s guidance on precautions on areas being re-opened. Failure to follow such guidance especially regarding the control of dogs could result in restrictions being re-imposed".
Clive Smith, Acting Head of Leisure Services, Tel: (01202) 261380
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