Dog walkers and cyclists angered by Longleat ban (From This Is Wiltshire)

Dog walkers and cyclists angered by Longleat ban

3:20pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in Latest News By Will Frampton

DOG walkers and cyclists who have been using Longleat for generations have spoken out in protest after being banned from the estate.

Many said they have been approached by Longleat security personnel while walking or cycling on its paths, and told that they are no longer welcome without tickets.

The dispute follows an earlier controversy when many locals protested against what they saw as unfair ticket changes and price rises as part of the safari park’s ongoing modernisation.

Frome cyclist Sholto Walker, 46, said: “I regularly cycle through Longleat, along with hundreds of other people from Frome and Warminster.

“Although nothing has been said officially, we don’t feel welcome, many people have been told walkers and cyclists will not be allowed in the park any more.

“They put up large yellow security barriers at the entrances which make it difficult for cyclists to get in.

“It is the only safe access route between the two towns, and has been very popular with the community for a long time.

“I understand that they have every right to do this, it is a private estate, but an unofficial arrangement has been in place for, to my knowledge, at least a century.

“They are suggesting it is for security reasons but we are only local cyclists and walkers hoping to enjoy the scenery.

“We don’t want to visit the attractions and we aren’t terrorists or thieves.

“We support their efforts to modernise, we certainly don’t want the business to fail, that would be a disaster but it feels like corporate arrogance. They are at risk of alienating the community after all this time, which would be a real shame.”

On Sunday morning a large group of dog walkers, lead by Julia Francis, who claims she was ejected from the park by security personnel, marched to the house to deliver a letter of protest to Lord Bath, although the estate is currently managed by his son Viscount Weymouth, and manager David Bradley.

Dogs were banned from the vicinity of the house and attractions in September last year over fears they might upset the safari park animals, particularly the birds of prey.

Longleat was asked to comment, but had not responded by the time the Wiltshire Times went to press.