A nature reserve near Romsey has been criticised because of its accessibility problems.

Baddesley Common and Emer Bog currently has gates which can't be accessed by people in wheelchairs or pushing prams.

The circular route is 3.5 miles long and feature a range of habitats from wet woodland, wood pasture and grassland to heathland, bog and mire.

Chiff chaffs, skylarks, warblers, stonechats and hobbies are among the huge number of birds attracted to the reserves.

Alan Dowden, Hampshire County Councillor for Baddesley, has submitted plans for new gates, despite it being in North Baddesley Parish Council's area.

Cllr Dowden said that the problem was brought to his attention by Anna Hammond, who uses a wheelchair and is on the Hampshire Countryside Access Forum.

READ MORE: Calls for bridge near Romsey to be repaired after crack appears

Cllr Dowden said: “Currently there is an old style metal gate that mobility scooters and prams can't use and there are stiles in various places on the circular route that I would like to have replaced with accessible gates.

“It would mean that to create accessibility to mums with prams and for disabled people who use motor scooters it would mean supplying two kissing gates to allow access to Baddesley Common from Botley Road, but ideally it would be sensible to replace some of the stiles on the other side of the common off Nutburn Lane.

“Presently these users are denied access to this beautiful environment. I am sure any landowner would not object to working with the county to allow access to those who are disabled or young mums with prams.

“I have received request from a few disabled residents of North Baddesley who able to use motorised scooters and Anna Hammond who also uses a motorised scooter and has been a great assistance over many years to the rights of way officers at the county council.”

Cllr Dowden explained that he had witnessed people struggling with the access to the reserve.

He said: “I was surprised that access was denied to the Baddesley Common and I also witnessed a mum who had intended to go for a walk with her young toddler and a baby in a pram was denied access.”

SEE ALSO: Royals in Romsey photo display Abbey United Reformed Church

Anna said: “I first approached North Baddesley Parish Council about five years ago who initially said that they would help but then decided that they wouldn't pursue it further. It has been frustrating not being able to access this gorgeous area but I am really looking forward to being able to go there.

“I am a volunteer on the Hampshire Countryside Access Forum which is Hampshire's Local Access Forum which is a legally mandated group to improve access to the countryside for all users (not specifically disabled) which is why I knew there could be financial support if needed.”

Cllr Dowden estimated that the total costs for the gates would be £1,250.

Joan Harrington, clerk at North Baddesley Parish Council, said: "When the Parish Council was first made aware of the need for improved wheelchair and pram access at Baddesley Common, we advised the member of public that Radar gates were very expensive and it was not within our jurisdiction to carry out this work.  We advised them to contact HCC Rights of Way to make an application for funding for new gates to improve access, but were unaware, at the time, that this could be done online and we therefore thank County Cllr Alan Dowden for completing the online application."

 

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from Romsey by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.

Kimberley Barber