Bridleway re-opened after Mid-Sussex Area Group raises £4,000

The Mid-Sussex Area Bridleways Group (MSABG) has taken matters into its own hands, raising £4,000 for repairs to a local bridleway.

The Wapple Way route in Westmeston, which runs from the B2116 at Black Dog Hill to join the Hayleigh Farm droveway, was in urgent need of repairs, prompting campaigners to start fundraising a year ago.

Boggy and impassable in places, local users organised events and secured donations from local brewery Harvey’s, The Turner Dumbrill Foundation and Evans Cycles, who use the route for cycling events.

East Sussex county council added to the £4,000, allowing repairs to take place. These have now been completed, with drainage installed, ditches dug out and a new surface of loose stones.

The route is back in use by the 200 horses in the local vicinity.

MSABG chairman Hilary Pierce said: “We are aware how difficult it is for council rights of way officers to secure funding for path maintenance, and bridleways tend to be at the bottom of the heap.

“So it is a matter for rejoicing that we can once again enjoy riding the Wapple Way bridleway.”

A spokesperson for the county council said: “The Mid-Sussex Area Bridleways Group have played a vital role in enabling us to resurface Wapple Way by raising funds to help pay for the work.

“This has helped us make the bridleway safer and easier to use for horse riders, cyclists and walkers and is a great example of how partnership working can help local communities.”

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