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24
Nov 2021
Dog owners (pictured above) who visit Hell Wath nature reserve in Ripon on a regular basis, fear a potential future clash with cyclists.
The area, with its wooded and riverside walks and wildlife, is popular with people who take their dogs there for daily exercise.
Currently, signage at an entry near the football pitches (pictured below) states 'no pushbikes' but there are concerns that this could change, if a cycle route was created on the site, following an approach from the community.
Dog owners Janet Anderson and Brian Don, who attended a Friends of Hell Wath committee meeting earlier this month, made their feelings known.
Ms Anderson, told the Stray Ferret:
Mr Don, added:
Discussions about a possible route for cyclists were initiated following a community event held at the nature reserve in September by the Skell Valley Project, headed by the National Trust and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Working with volunteers, the project aims to bring about environmental and other improvements to a 12-mile stretch of the river valley - part of which runs through Hell Wath.
The minutes of the Friends of Hell Wath meeting of 1 November meeting, state:
Committee chair, Councillor Stuart Martin, who was not present at the 1 November meeting, pointed out:
Mr Don welcomed the opportunity for wider consultation and said:
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