Problem Lanes
Bouchland Farm, Burrington.
these photos were taken on Tuesday 13th April 2010 between 11.58am and 12 noon! This is a highway maintained at the public expense and it has been diverted by either the owners of Bouchland Farm or their neighbours. It is illegal to damage the surface of a highway (note stakes inserted through the road to hold the new fence up) and Mr & Mrs Watts were made aware of this fact by me on the 12th September 2009. It is illegal to obstruct the highway - note new fence. Also, there is a tree that has mysteriously fallen down blocking the lane at map ref SS64520 19225. This means that a 4x4 cannot ascend the lane nor can a horse pass. I'm pretty sure that it takes a Highways Department and a Magistrate to divert a highway. The diversion at the Southern end does is not wide enough for a vehicle other than a bike, motorbike or horse to pass. Somebody is using the space between the southern gate and the new fence as a dunping ground for their compost!
View from the North approaching illegal obstruction of a highway.
View from inside the field to the West of the lane looking back at the new fence (obstruction) and the gate we've just ridden through.
Looking South towards my colleague holding the small gate open for us.
One of us exiting the field back onto the road.
Looking North towards the original gate to the lane and showing the small gate on the left we have just come through!
Underdown Farm, Sampford Chapple
We've reported this lane as being obstructed twice to the Police. Both times the obstruction was removed. It's now blocked again.
21st April 2010 - The Police reported back that they'd been to see the Farmer who apologised for blocking the route and for our inconvenience. I rode around Dartmoor today and I can confirm that the trailer is parked in the field to the West of the West end of the lane. The lane appears to be open again....until next time!
So securely wedged into the West end of the lane that you cannot even walk past the trailer. Pictures taken 13th April 2010 at 14:24
It's no better from this angle. You cannot get access to the lane.
Message to Northern Area Highways Department of DCC...these people need prosecuting. They are wasting your time, my time and both of our resources. They are "taking the mickey". They know it and they are just causing more bother than they are worth.
Top Photos and Report by Fixer