Fence and gate plans for Henley-on-Thames public space

28/09/2009

Proposals to erect fences and gates on Kingwood Common in Henley-on-Thames so that the land can be used for cattle grazing have split the opinions of local people.

The plans, which were put together by the Commons Conservators group and the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, need public approval before they are enacted, the Henley Standard reports.

"Cyclists will have to stop to open a gate. This may lead to gates being propped open, which will let cattle out," dog walker Ann Pearce, who uses the common every day, told the paper.

"My other worry is that the cattle would be startled by dog walkers and cyclists."

However, local councillors claim there are many examples of similar situations in which gates and fencing have worked well.

The news comes soon after it was reported in the Bolton News that people in Horwich are calling for gates to be installed in the fencing at Old Station Park to discourage children from using holes in the fence as access points.