Horse riders in Shropshire are outraged after a public bridleway and road through Flanders Ford, a rare safe route away from traffic, was blocked without warning by fencing and a “Keep out – private land” sign. The route, part of the Humphrey Kynaston Way and marked as a public right of way, is claimed by campaigners to be an unclassified public county road based on historical maps, but the landowner disputes this, citing concerns about invasive plants and denying the route’s public status. Shropshire Council is currently investigating the dispute.

The closure is particularly frustrating for riders who have already lost another nearby route due to a collapsed bridge, forcing them onto dangerous roads. Local riders and campaigners emphasize the importance of the bridleway for safe riding and walking, with some noting its historical significance as an old coffin route. They criticize the landowner’s actions as unlawful and express concern for rider safety, highlighting the growing challenges of riding on busy roads.