Avon Centre Urges Public Support as Proposed Footpaths Raise Safety Concerns for Disabled Riders
The Avon Centre, a long-established charity providing equine-assisted activities and outdoor learning opportunities for Disabled, disadvantaged and vulnerable people, is urging supporters and the wider community to engage with a current consultation regarding proposed public footpaths across its estate.
Bristol City Council has confirmed that it has received an application seeking recognition of 33 new or modified public footpaths across land at the Centre.
While the Avon Centre supports responsible public access to the countryside, Trustees have expressed concerns about several of the proposed routes and the potential impact they could have on the charity's activities, participants and animals.
The Centre provides opportunities for hundreds of children, young people and adults each year, including Disabled riders, individuals with additional needs, and those who may struggle to access traditional outdoor therapeutic opportunities. Many participants rely on the Centre as a safe, structured environment where they can develop confidence, independence and wellbeing through interactions with horses and nature.
One proposal would create a public footpath along the full length of the Centre's canter track, an area regularly used for ridden exercise and training activities. Many others will have a direct impact on the use of the Centre’s estate for therapeutic activities.
Trustees are concerned that increased pedestrian access through key operational areas could create potential safety challenges for riders, horses, volunteers and members of the public.
The campaign has already attracted more than 800 signatures, demonstrating the level of community concern about the potential impact of the proposals on the Centre's activities.
Chair of Trustees Sylvia Vincent said:
"The Avon Centre has always welcomed responsible public access and values its place within the local community. However, some of the proposed routes pass directly through areas used daily by horses and vulnerable participants.
Our primary responsibility is to maintain a safe environment for the people and animals in our care. We are asking supporters, families, volunteers and local residents to carefully review the proposals and share their experiences of the Centre with Bristol City Council."
The charity emphasises that the consultation is not about preventing public access to the countryside.
Instead, the Centre hopes that any decisions will properly consider the needs of Disabled participants, the practical operation of an equine facility, animal welfare and public safety.
Families Speak Out
The Avon Centre says concerns about the proposed routes are being shared by families who rely on the charity's services.
Raquel, a Bristol parent, said:
"After a challenging health diagnosis for my child and family, the Avon Centre became a very happy place for us: somewhere where my child could forget about medical challenges, heal, learn to love nature, and do something new. We hope Bristol City Council can work with The Avon Centre to continue offering safety for the wonderful activities run at this Centre and the people using public pathways, rather than imposing changes that can hinder the important work of this charity."
Julie, from Trowbridge, whose daughter attends activities at the Centre, said:
"The Avon Centre does amazing work with Disabled and vulnerable people, including my daughter. Some of the proposed routes could make parts of the site more dangerous and less suitable for vulnerable participants and the ponies. There must be more suitable options available that do not impact this vital work."
The Centre supports hundreds of children and adults each year, including Disabled riders, people with additional needs, and those who benefit from spending time outdoors in a safe and supportive environment. Trustees say they hope any decisions made during the consultation process will carefully balance public access with the continued safe operation of services that have supported local families for more than four decades.
Supporters are encouraged to review the consultation documents, maps and supporting information before submitting comments to Bristol City Council before the consultation deadline of 12 noon on 12 October.
The Centre is also taking independent legal advice while the consultation process continues.
Trustees hope that members of the community who have benefited from the Centre's services will share their experiences and explain the importance of maintaining a safe and accessible environment for current and future participants.
Riders and Supporters Highlight Safety Concerns
Concerns have also been raised by riders and long-term supporters about the practical implications of sharing key riding areas with increased public access.
Tess said:
The work at RDA at the Avon Centre is so important to the riders and their families. To do this the staff need to be able to keep the horses fit and mentally well. The horses enjoy using all their paces including cantering and galloping. To do this safely some areas of the grounds must be exclusive to riding. And the riders also benefit from riding through the grounds. Having a few public footpaths is fine. There is room to share but some areas must remain for riding centre use only .. in order to keep the horses fit.
Trustees say these comments reflect the views of many riders, families, volunteers and supporters who value both access to the countryside and the continued ability of the Avon Centre to provide safe, life-changing opportunities for Disabled and vulnerable people.
ENDS
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