Hundreds of Shropshire horse riders have backed a campaign for safer, off road routes for riders across the county.
Hundreds of Shropshire horse riders have backed a campaign for safer, off road routes for riders across the county.
Janet Mees said she hoped to get thousands of signatures over the summer to present to Telford & Wrekin Council to encourage them to act immediately.
But she said she was pleased with the tremendous response in the two weeks since its launch.
Mrs Mees said people agreed that horse riders faced obstacles and restrictions which stopped them riding along many routes.
Four clubs - Telford Bridleways, Telford Riding Club, Wrekin North Riding Club and Broseley Bridleways - will be collecting signatures all summer.
The petitions are available in all horse shops and riding stables in the borough
Mrs Mees said she wanted to show the council how important horses are to the local economy and a way of boosting healthy life styles for youngsters.
The issue was first highlighted when campaigners complained about the growing number of metal chicanes and kissing gates.
Mrs Mees, of Telford Bridleways Association, said: “We only started two weeks ago and the number of signatures on the petitions are certainly into the hundreds already.
“Everybody we have spoken to is very pleased that we are doing this petition because it is so important.
“We want every adult and child that rides in the Telford borough to sign it and be counted.”
Mrs Mees said many of their rides have had to be stopped because places such as the Silkin Way have proved impossible for horse riders. Barriers, aimed to stop yobs on motorbikes or mini-motos, are also stopping horses, she said.
Mrs Mees said horse riding was a “great anti-ageing activity” and a good way of keeping fit.
“Barriers denying access to routes used for years are the biggest problem,” she added.
Councillor Steve Bentley, Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for the environment, has told the campaigners the council recognises the need for further additions to the bridleways network and will include it as a key strategy in the borough’s rights of way improvement plan.
