To discuss any issues raised by Hack Riders Representatives, including the following:
· repair and maintenance of the sand track
· use of downs including hack areas for parking on non-race days
· condition of the afternoon hack ride up 6 Mile Hill from Langley Vale
· sign posting and grass length of eastern part of ‘hatched’ area at the foot of Walton Downs
· access to Lonsdale enclosure on non-race days
· missing marker posts along valley hack track below Rubbing House towards Beech Wood junction
· parking in Derby Stables Road
· scrub clearance at top of Rifle Butts Alley
Minutes:
The following matters were raised by the Hack Rider Representatives:
a) Use of the Downs including hack areas for parking on non-race days. The Hack Riders Representatives informed the Committee that the hack area adjacent to the Derby Arms public house and area of land outside the Derby Stables was utilised for parking on non-race days. The Representatives expressed that the hack area outside the Derby Arms was used by hack riders to gain access to onward hack rides and bridleways, and that it’s use for parking diminished a facility available to hack riders. The representatives informed the Committee that the area had previously remained locked outside of race days and on infrequent occasions on which the Racecourse was hosting a large event, but that it was now left permanently unlocked. The Representatives requested that the area be locked in the future outside of these times to prevent access by cars.
It was noted that Officers of the Conservators and the Racecourse would discuss the use of the area. Following this discussion, if there was a proposal to be considered by the Conservators, the Hack Rider Representatives would also be consulted.
b) Condition of the afternoon hack ride up 6 Mile Hill from Langley Vale. The Hack Rider Representatives informed the Committee that this hack ride had been damaged during the recent works to extend the neighbouring Poly Track. It was agreed to view the area on the Downs Tour of 28 September 2016.
c) Access to Lonsdale Enclosure hack area on non-race days. The Hack Rider Representatives informed the Committee that access to the hack area located within the Lonsdale Enclosure had not been possible at times, as gaps had not been left in the fencing to enable it. The Epsom Downs Racecourse Representative apologised for this issue and requested that he be informed directly if it should occur in the future, as he would be able to arrange for the situation to be rectified. It was noted that the Racecourse would look into the possibility of providing a gate in the fence in future, rather than physically removing panels to enable access.
d) Missing marker posts along the Valley hack track below Rubbing House towards the Beech Wood junction. The Downs Manager informed the Committee that any posts missing in this area would be replaced by the Downskeepers as part of their winter work programme.
e) Parking in Derby Stables Road. The Hack Rider Representatives informed the Committee that cars were being parked all-day, and advertised for sale in Derby Stables Road. The Representatives suggested that a parking restriction could be introduced to limit parking on the road, and suggested a maximum stay of 3 hours, with no return on the same day. It was noted that this would be a matter for the Surrey County Council (Epsom and Ewell) Local Committee to consider.
f) Scrub clearance at the top of Rifle Butts Alley. The Downs Manager informed the Committee that scrub clearance in this area would be undertaken by the Downskeepers as part of their winter work programme.
g) Condition of hack facilities on the Downs. The Hack Rider Representatives highlighted to the Committee that they had expressed concerns over the condition or lack of availability of 3 hack facilities on the Downs:
· Hack Sand Track at the foot of Walton Downs
· Hatched Area at the foot of Walton Downs
· Hack ride on 6 Mile Hill (see b) above)
The Representatives expressed that if hack riders were unable to make use of these areas, it would be a significant reduction in the facilities made available to them under the 1984 Act and requested that the provision of alternative areas or facilities was considered.