Decision details

Following the national restrictions imposed by Government to manage the Covid-19 pandemic, a significant upsurge in the number of horses was experienced at Frinton Beach during the 2020 visitor season.  That was compounded by an increase in other beach users arriving earlier than had previously been experienced, leading to conflict between horse riders and other beach users.  Further to that, it has been commonplace over the last season for horse owners to ride on the beach during high tides, which further increased the risk of conflict and accidents. 

The bye law to manage public safety with regards to riding on the beach states, ‘no person shall on the seashore break in or ride or drive any horse or other animal in a race or so as to cause danger or annoyance to any person using the seashore.’  Following on from the lessons learnt last season, in order to ensure compliance with this bye law in relation to danger an annoyance, temporary additional measures are considered necessary to reduce the risk of accidents and maintain public safety.

Following the loosening of national restrictions on 29 March to enable outdoor sports to take place as part of the Government roadmap, the Council is asking horse riders not to use Frinton Beach for a short, temporary period, whilst we work with the local equestrian community to implement the measures required to maintain public safety.  This will include managing access and times of arrival, to include when the tides are appropriate for riding safely.  As such, officers will continue to engage with the community, including working in conjunction with the local riding community to implement such measures and manage the risk which increased over the course of the last 12 months.

This Officer decision is being taken following a health and safety risk assessment and prior consultation with members of the local riding community, including Tendring Hundred Riding Club, Essex Committee of the British Horse Society and others. It is acknowledged that these restrictions can only be informal requests whilst the Council considers the best way to formalise additional requirements either through the existing byelaw or other remedies such as a Public Spaces Protection Order, both of these require decisions at Member level.

To manage public safety.

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