Said Andrew Smith

"The issue of the surface on Harding Ride ought to be resolved soon. No new surfacing work has been done since the path was improved back in March. The problem is simply a result of the smaller fines not having settled in those locations where the path's surface has previously been disturbed for pipeline or cable works. Here, the bigger scalpings have been exposed as the finer surfacing material has not compacted well. This does need improving and the contractor will return in the Autumn when the wetter conditions are more suitable to bedding this material down."

Says Maureen Comber.

"I do not know what they did to the surface of Hardings Ride back in March but what I can say is that the pipeline was installed as long ago as 1981/2. There was much correspondence between the BHS County Bridleways Officer at the time, Brigadier Ralph Eggar. The correspondence was passed to me as I was at the time Chairman of Kingsley Parish Council and as District Access Bridleways Officer for the BHS.

"Eventually I managed to get the oil company responsible to re-seed the length of Hardings Ride and for two years horse riders voluntarily avoided the path to let it re-establish. There has been a permanent TRO for vehicles since November 1998 so any vehicle damage has been by the FC.

"I have just been to look at Hardings Ride and will attach some pictures. You can see the difference between the old surface and the new section. Horrible hard flints which could bruise the sole of horses feet. Why do not HCC and the FC consult the stakeholders about such things, it would save a whole heap of time and money? Anyhow the new surface is nothing whatsoever to do with the pipeline."

Click here to read the letter from Harvey Davies, Hampshire County Council
to Maureen Comber