Peaceful protest over 'Bumpy Lane', Ilminster (From This is The West Country)

Peaceful protest over 'Bumpy Lane', Ilminster

6:30am Wednesday 5th September 2012 in News By Jamie Brooks

MORE than 70 people participated in a peaceful walk in Ilminster to campaign for access to a popular path to be restored.

The walk took place on Tuesday, August 21, at 6.30pm from Winterhay Lane and Green Lane along the path known as ‘Bumpy Lane’, which was closed earlier in the month after reports of anti-social behaviour.

The Winterhay Action Group met town mayor Cllr Roger Swann before the walk to argue their case.

Cllr Swann has also been in discussion with the land owners to address their concerns.

Those joining in the march promised to keep dogs under control on leads, to clean up mess, be polite, supervise children, pick up litter and shut gates behind them.

Gemma Watkins, of the group, said: “We’re working on solutions to the problems. One of the issues is dog mess, and we thought about asking for a bin.

“Another was anti-social behaviour – maybe we could all work together to get Neighbourhood Watch going in Winterhay Lane? That would benefit everybody.”

A petition has now gathered 270 signatures and 56 responses on-line, while supporters are urged to complete Somerset County Council right of way user evidence forms.

The group would like people to e-mail memories and old photos of the walk from Winterhay Lane, Eames Mill and the River Isle to w_actiongroup@aol.co.uk .