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New bridle path leads way for horse riders

Tom Rowley
14/11/2002

A NEW bridle pathway in Mottram means horse riders will no longer have to negotiate a treacherous road.

Instead they can use the new route between Ashworth Lane and Broadbottom Road across Chapman's Fields.

It has horse stiles at both ends, linked by a crushed stone pathway bounded on one side by a hedge, which in its early years until it grows will be supported by posts and wire fence.

Chapman's Fields was gifted to Mottram in Longdendale District Council in 1932 with a covenant that it should be used for recreation with an area designated as a highway.

During public consultation on the Longdendale village plan last year, councillors said they would not build a new road in advance of the Mottram by-pass and Glossop spur road, which are not expected before 2007.

After the consultation, and comments from horse riders, the council decided that a bridle pathway did meet the covenant stipulation for road use, without actually providing a vehicular highway.

The district assembly approved £4,000 for the pathway and £5,000 was granted from central council budgets.

Longdendale Heritage Trust also intends to plant 50 oak trees across the fields to commemorate the Queen's golden jubilee.

Dennis Smalley, head of Tameside Council's engineering services, said: "The development of this facility comes in response to requests from several interested parties, mainly local horse riding groups, many of whom comprise children and other young people.

"The bridleway will mean horse riders no longer have to navigate a long length of busy road, keeping them away from vehicular traffic and providing a much safer environment for them to enjoy.

"The scheme has also given the council the opportunity to improve the local environment through the inclusion of substantial landscaping treatments and the installation of features at each end where the route meets the two public highways."