READER’S
LETTER
A couple of weeks ago my daughter
discovered a loose pony at the side of the
road whilst she was driving home from work
just after 5pm. She called me and I headed
out with a head collar. I held the pony on the
verge whilst my daughter looked for his
owner. During this time, which was only
about 20 minutes, the light was disappearing
so when a car came round the corner, I
waved my arm to draw attention to myself
and the pony, as I was aware that we were
becoming less visible as the time passed.
The car, which was going quite quickly, did
slow down a little. But then, as it drew level
with us it hooted its horn. Luckily the pony
was a sensible one and lifted its head in
surprise but nothing more, as had it taken
off, I doubt that I could have stopped it.
I really feel that people who live in rural
areas, or even who are driving through them
should respect animals and their right to be
in the countryside. It is vitally important that
all animals, but horses in particular as they
are flight animals and run when panicked,
are driven past carefully and quietly and the
car horn should never be used near to them.
I understand that taking this care may cost
people a few minutes of their time but I do
not believe that most people wish to cause
an accident for a horse or rider, but maybe
they do not realise that even the most quiet
horse or pony can be spooked by sudden or
loud behaviour.
If cars and horses could share the roads in
harmony it would be a much safer place.
Helen Skirton
JACKIE’S
COUNTY
COLUMN
March
Lots of numbers this month!
Nine villages in my division have signed up
for the Lengthsman scheme, and we are
now awaiting the approval of funding from
the County Council. There is plenty to do at
this time of year, clearing drains and leafy
paths. The decision is expected soon: I will
report back next month.
Adoption is now high on the Government
priority list. If you are interested in Adopting,
Fostering or giving support to adults through
the Shared Lives scheme, please contact
the County Council direct on 0845 603 5620
or go to www.hants.gov.uk for more details.
If the answer is 42, what was the question?
It is the number of small items on the
highways list that are still outstanding in the
area after the winter. I went through the list
with the officer at HCC last week! To make it
worse, and because the weather has been
so bad since last summer, Hampshire has
had to authorise a nu