The Oxhill News

Oxhill

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Contents

February
Editorial
Cover Picture
Parish Council
Mobile Phones
Service Times
Festival Choir
Lost Property
Marathon Sponsorship
Xmas Puddings
Late News
For Sale
Nature Notes
Garden Club
Stratford Operatic
Vandalism
Kissing Gates
Village Hall News
W.I. Report
25 Years Ago
Poetry Corner 1
Poetry Corner 2

Metal Kissing Gates

The erection of the metal kissing gates replacing stiles along the footpath running in an easterly direction from the Churchyard has resulted in an excess of mud, occasioned not by inclement weather, but by the constant movement of boots when passing through the gates.   Furthermore, the condition of the footpath either side of these gates has deteriorated.   Again, they are quite out of keeping with both the immediate and the more distant landscape, especially in this conservation area.

I wrote to the relevant department of the County Council to question the provision of metal kissing gates and received a typical bureaucratic reply that the footpath had been inspected following a complaint (a rambler?) and had been found to be in poor condition (it is far worse now!).   The reply also stated that the primary concern was for adequate stock control (there is no livestock where the gates have been installed), ease of access for walkers (they are not easy and present burn risks when the locking mechanism is frozen), and cost effectiveness (cheap, and they look it!).   The reply also stated that “structures across a public right of way are not subject to planning control, thus planning permission is not required”.   I would question this statement as Oxhill is in a conservation area.

My response, which dealt with the points here mentioned, drew particular attention to the stupidity of claiming ease of access for people with mobility problems when there is a ‘barrier’ at the far end of the bridge.   I also pointed out that if the stiles had to be replaced, the provision of timber wicket gates would be more preferable than the ‘out of keeping’ metal kissing gates.

It is hoped that the Parish Council will take this matter up so as to safeguard the standards of sound rural husbandry in a conservation area.

Russen Thomas

I am informed that the Parish Council have asked the Clerk to contact the County Council about this matter.  Any response will be published.

The picture is of the kissing gate referred to by Russen. It might look better painted black.

This site is maintained by villagers of Oxhill for the benefit of the community and those interested in the history, news and activities that make the village such a pleasant place to live.

Last modified: June 04, 2004