“The BHB was greatly encouraged by Lord Whitt?_x0019_s constructive reaction to the concerns expressed by Lord Donoughue, Baroness Trumpington, Lord Burnham and others during the House of Lord?_x0019_ Second Reading debate on the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill on 26th June.

As presently drafted, the Bill would allow free access to all open areas of down, heath or moor including that used as gallops for training racehorses. The risks for walkers, for the horses being exercised and for their riders are obvious, as BHB made clear in its response to the Government’ s 1998 consultation document.

The Racing Industry has made significant progress in improving health and safety standards for the workforce and has been commended by the Health and Safety Executive for its efforts. It is important that this should not be jeopardised.

BHB will now be working closely with peers to ensure that either the Government produces its own satisfactory amendment or peers are assisted with the drafting of an all-party amendment to the Bill at Committee stage.

For further information contact Annie Dodd on 0207 343 3309″