wightdogs.com ISLE of WIGHT DOGS and OWNERS

We have been contacted by a member of wightdogs.com after their dog sustained injury, resulting in a £400+ vets bill, due we are informed to the fence alongside public right of way R103.

I have reported this dangerous fence running alongside public footpath R103, from the end of Quarry road to Rosemary lane in Ryde, to the council on several occasions spanning at least six years. The most recent email I have sent them was on 25th of May this year, in this email I included this YouTube link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXDCcndm8Jk to video footage of the condition of the fence that I had uploaded to demonstrate to them it was clearly dangerous. Click for further picture

 I eventually received this statement from the council:

"I understand that the fence is set back from the footpath and there is plenty of room to allow people to pass. As such, it is the Council’s view that it does not represent a danger to people using the path – which was also our view in July 2002. On this occasion only a short length of fencing had been damaged leaving most intact, which supports the view that it is probably an access issue that is causing it.  The problem has been referred to colleagues responsible for the boundary fencing of the land with the recommendation that if it is felt necessary to maintain the boundary fence consideration be given to making a point of access to avoid repetition of the damage to the fence.

Arrangements will be made to remove the damaged fencing in due course, but as there is no immediate risk this will not be considered to be a priority.

I believe that I have considered all aspect of your complaint and find that there is no failing on the part of theauthority to act properly and proportionately.  With this in mind, I feel that any further investigation of this complaint is unlikely to provide any new evidence which might alter the outcome. However, if you feel you have further comment or evidence which might change that, please do respond to me."

I feel the video footage leaves little doubt that this fence, which the council have a statutory duty to maintain in a safe condition, is clearly a danger to not only dogs but to children and any other users of this public footpath. What the pictures don't show are lengths of trailing wire that could blind, or seriously damage an eye, of a dog or person.

 The council, as you can see, is of the opinion that it does not represent a danger to people using the footpath. And although they will consider removing damaged fencing this wasn't considered a priority due to there being "no immediate risk".

This fence is serving no purpose whatsoever, although its presence is endangering legitimate users of this right of way.

As local residents will tell you it has been in this condition for years, and despite the councils claims that it was not so in 2002 I have photos which show otherwise. I am of the opinion that had the council taken its responsibility seriously this situation could, and should, have been avoided.

A question I find myself asking, in this sorry state of affairs, is whether this fence would have been allowed to remain in this condition had it have been in an area frequented by tourists rather than just local residents?

One year on and this fence is even worse as absolutely nothing as been done.

Read more in the blog

If the council have stated in writing they are aware of the problem and have indicated that they intend to take action to remedy it, I consider this would leave them in a vulnerable legal situation should someone be injured by this fence.

As the council could  be sued given the evidence that they have allowed this situation to continue for over a year after stating they intended to take action.

Apart from that it is hardly any wonder that people dont believe anything this council say given examples like this. And just look at the Eco Island bullshit, hardly any wonder the island is considered a laughing stock is it?