Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

My understanding @Mark Thompson is that the land in question is south of OSHI on the way to Wistlandpound. Precisely which section, I'm afraid I don't know.

 

Hi Mark, as far as I know, it is as you said, from Blackmoor down to Wistlandpound. I wonder just how much it would cost to get a fencing contractor in to put up a fence along this piece of track bed?

 

Christ, if push came to shove, I'd bloody do it. Its ridiculous.

 

I am pretty certain that I read that there was a pre application consultation.

 

Ah, but which side spoke and which side listened?

Tom

 

I’m happy to come and help. It doesn’t need to be a stock fence. Just a boundary surely?

 

I am sure that would do for now.

 

Yes, that was certainly reported, quite a while ago, but one would also have expected some consultation with the owners of Heddon Hall, who also claim ownership of Cricket Field Lane, but that didn't happen, according to someone at the meeting.

 

I'd come down and lend a hand as well. I have a hand auger too, but not sure I've got the strength to wield it in anger these days!

 

I'm in for some fencing, too.

I recall the same as @H Cloutt - there were supposedly very positive discussions with the Planners, which leaves me mystified as to how we the Trust managed to pitch something that was clearly never going to fly.

Having watched the video now, I have to say I was embarassed by the performance of the Arup guy and John Barton, sadly - no attempt to meet the issues identified in the Planning Report or the oral representations. Got to do better, people.

 

I reckon if there was half a dozen of us, we could manage it somehow. The "When Push comes to Shove" irregulars!

 

It makes 'bucket list' take on a new meaning !
Sadly my 'digging days' are somewhat restricted my back trouble, but I could brew tea for the workforce...

 

In truth, it would probably finish most of us off, at least this old crock, but I will certainly facilitate it, if no-one at the Trust is going to bother.
I will endeavour to get more information at the AGM, what are their intentions, has anyone been contracted, etc. and see where to go from there.

 

To be a working volunteer needs a valid HOPS card. For some reason my 2025 card has yet to arrive and none of my hasteners has yielded a response :-( It would appear the 'admin' is letting down the regular appeals for more help.....

 

That is undoubtedly true for those working on the railway, but does that also extend to fencing off a parcel of agricultural land nowhere near any railway?

 

Yes. If you are doing anything working for the railway. It covers insurance and proves you have passed some kind of induction. Otherwise any old person could turn up and do whatever they liked.

 

Why stop there? Why not just set up an self guided project group just to get on with it and relay the railway between Blackmoor gate and whistlandpound?

 

Maybe the L&BR is different, but certainly elsewhere it is a requirement (insurance, H&S etc etc) if one is doing work 'for the railway' at locations other than actual live railway property etc.

 

This matter of the fencing south of OSI was apparently raised (by Anne Belsey) at a board meeting approx. 1 year ago. The concrete fence posts are already at WB, and have been for some time. Stuart was happy with this, and the other board members "agreeable". So the materials at least, are already present.
Since then however, nothing.

 

Ssh, that’s supposed to be a secret