Council removes Dulcote stile, explains why

25/03/2009

A stile in Dulcote, Somerset has been removed and the council has explained the decision to do so, it has emerged.

This is Somerset received comment from a spokesman of the local council who said that wherever possible, stiles are being removed to be replaced by kissing gates or field gates where stock is found.

"A stile or gate can only be authorised if it is to prevent stock from straying onto the highway," he explained to the publication.

"We are constrained by legislation on what it can and cannot authorise," he commented.

He told the newspaper that the local authority was sorry to the parish council for the way in which the stile was removed and it was not carried out in line with the body's procedures.

Earlier this month, Barnsley council explained to South Yorkshire's the Star that gates on the Trans-Pennine Trail are safe after a man was involved in an accident.