Sugar Sands

[PokerMan]

Not sure if you guys are aware of this but the gates at Low Steads farm are being locked at 5pm every night apparently. There is a sign on the gates stating this. Are they actually allowed to block access to the beach? I'm not happy about this as it's my most local beach and I used to always go down for spur of the moment night sessions.

[Ian Alexander]

Hello, is that the gate at the farmhouse (where the money box is) or the gate at the bottom near the beach?

Regards Ian

[PokerMan]

I'm assuming it's the gate at the farmhouse they are locking because that's where the new sign is attached, I think they are locking both though coz I noticed a motorcycle type lock on the bottom gate which I've never seen before. I can't confirm this though as I havnt been there after 5pm recently, only during the day. Maybe they are just trying to deter as many people as possible. I just didn't think they are allowed to block the access either way

[Ian Alexander]

That's a shame, it's one of my favourite places to fish. I'm not too sure about this being legal though as I thought it was a public road although the honesty box was there to stick ten bob in for the farmer.
When I get myself cracking I'll have a look up, probably best to park at Howick and walk down.....could do with losing some weight!
The good thing about the access through the farm was that you could keep an eye on your car when you fished Howdieman.
I can only assume that the farmer has had people pinching stuff.....like I say a real shame.

Regards Ian

[PokerMan]

It sure is a shame, it's quite a popular mark. I also thought it was a public road.
Yeah I'll pop down sometime after 5pm to see if it really is locked and ill write down exactly what the sign states aswell.
Lol I'd just end up fishing Howick haven instead. Good point on the car watching though, I hate leaving my car late at night, loved being able to check on it.

[Brashy]

Hope not I enjoy a good session up there on a big northerly

[tonybax]

wouldn't of thought it would be legal for him to close a right of way ?

[loopy]

Just to let you know this is a public right of way, there has been some major problems regarding the gate in recent times and I await a phone call from the Council's rights of way officer who is in contact with the Farmer. I will update you when I have some news.

[Ian Alexander]

Just to let you know this is a public right of way, there has been some major problems regarding the gate in recent times and I await a phone call from the Council's rights of way officer who is in contact with the Farmer. I will update you when I have some news.

Many thanks Loopy. We'd be lost without the effort that you put in.

Regards Ian

[redtop69]

Il let the alnwick lads know if they dont aleady! A few of them park up from the gate walk down! Is it not to keep the cattle in?!

[beachbuddy]

Il let the alnwick lads know if they dont aleady! A few of them park up from the gate walk down! Is it not to keep the cattle in?!

Farmers are a law unto there own,red top unless there's an issue you'll find he cannot close a public right of way.

[redtop69]

Well im sure the lads will find another way round it! Unless they park at howick or boulmer ! At the end of thr day it doesnt directly effect him and its never been a problem in the past!! Maybe a diff farmer!

[bandit]

Farmers are a law unto there own,red top unless there's an issue you'll find he cannot close a public right of way.

Don't think its the farmer that's put the signs up its the howick trustees, had a look today and according to the signs the dunes are private land owned by the howick trustees

[loopy]

Update from the rights of way officer NCC, there seems to be some confusion as to the gate that is locked at night, it is not the gate next to the farm with the collection box as I originally thought from various posts and information received, this would be illegal, it is the gate at the very end of the road onto the coastal fields and beach that are private, although there is a byeway along from Boulmer to Howick that has TRO on it banning motor vehicles. The Tenant Farmer has every right to lock the gate but will probably have to put a pedestrian and horse gate in to access the public byeway. This situation has come about by Illegal camping and motorhomes staying overnight, beach raves fires and drink fueled parties last summer with the resultant glass bottles and rubbish and the gate being left open numerous times and the cattle that graze on the beach pastures getting out. I was told the rights of way officer that he does not have an issue with anglers.

[Red5]

Update from the rights of way officer NCC, there seems to be some confusion as to the gate that is locked at night, it is not the gate next to the farm with the collection box as I originally thought from various posts and information received, this would be illegal, it is the gate at the very end of the road onto the coastal fields and beach that are private, although there is a byeway along from Boulmer to Howick that has TRO on it banning motor vehicles. The Tenant Farmer has every right to lock the gate but will probably have to put a pedestrian and horse gate in to access the public byeway. This situation has come about by Illegal camping and motorhomes staying overnight, beach raves fires and drink fueled parties last summer with the resultant glass bottles and rubbish and the gate being left open numerous times and the cattle that graze on the beach pastures getting out. I was told the rights of way officer that he does not have an issue with anglers.

I know the farmer very well and he is a sound guy who does a lot for the local community.

As Loopy says, he had a pretty torrid summer with youths having beach parties every weekend, and the issue of camping has been going on for well over twenty years. He has installed a side gate adjaecent to the main gate (which is now locked after 5pm)

Sadly I think it's another of those situations where the behaviour of the minority spoil it for the majority!