By Beth Robson

brobson@thekmgroup.co.uk

Dog walkers and ramblers who use Coldblow Woods are concerned about barbed wire that has been put up to keep people out.

Two signs claim the land, pictured in the diagram, below, is owned by Ringwould Cricket Club, which is believed to have stopped operating around the 1960s or 1970s.

Kevin Orchard, who walks his dog Casper in the area, said he fears the barbed wire is dangerous and that regulations have not been adhered to by the owners.

He said: "There should be pictorial signs that make it clear to everyone, including foreigners and people with special needs.

"The wire is at face height so people who use the woods could get hit in the face by it if they don’t see it."

The sharp wire has been put on the edge of the woods where they join a public footpath between Coldblow and Ripple Road.

It also runs along an established footpath to Mayers Road.

Inside the woods an established footpath exists, frequently used by dog walkers, runners, children and cyclists.

The law is unclear about the use of barbed wire on private property, but landowners who use it must take care people entering their premises are not injured by it. This is under the Occupier Liability Act, which also protects trespassers.

When a Mercury reporter went to the woods on Monday, someone had cut the wire by most of the entrances.

Mr Orchard said the land, which incorporates some of the woods, had been left for many years, allowing many species of wildlife to build their habitats.

what's going on?

do you know what's happening at coldblow? are you the owner, or have you information on what is planned for the former sports ground and woods.

let us know by calling the east kent mercury on 01304 365526 or email: brobson@thekmgroup.co.uk

Searches show the land is privately owned and no planning applications have been received by the district's planners.