FRINTON BEACH UPDATE
Following an enormous response from local riders and residents which resulted in a petition signed by over 4000 people, Tendring District Council (TDC) have issued the Press Release you will find set out below.
You will have read the article in the Update when this ban was implemented, but thanks to the hard work by four local riders including Emma Overton who started the petition, Cllr Peter Harris and Sue Dobson from EBA, TDC have now overturned the ban.
The group are now working on a 'code of conduct' along with TDC so that we can move forward in a positive way and get horse riding back on this fantastic stretch of coast. We will publish the code of conduct as soon as we have it.
EBA will be keeping a very close eye on how this story further unfolds.
Press release from TDC:
“Following the recent events regarding the alleged ban on horses using the beaches within the district during the summer months, as Leader of Council, I wish to make a public statement to clarify the position. This decision has been made by officers without the knowledge or consent of the Cabinet at Tendring District Council. This was wrong and for that I can only apologise.
Furthermore, I have requested the Chief Executive to ensure a full and thorough investigation be undertaken to find out the events surrounding this and ensure it does not happen again.
Therefore, on behalf of Tendring District Council (TDC) I can confirm that there is no ban in force preventing horses using the District’s beaches, including the one at Frinton. Although, I am pleased that the local equestrian community are now developing their own code of practice, in consultation with the Council, which will minimise the risk to public safety and ensure compliance with local byelaws.
The Council is proud that whilst access to beaches for horses is relatively rare in this country, riders have been always been able to use the Essex Sunshine Coast. By working with the riding community on a code of conduct to preserve public safety, we are confident that we will be in a position to preserve this long into the future.
The Council can use enforcement powers under the byelaws to maintain safety, although it is hoped that by the Council working together with the community this will not be necessary.”