OUR members and, I am sure, the silent majority of other forest users, are concerned that for 12 years a minority of horse riders have obstructed and delayed the will of Parliament.

The City of London (Various Powers) Act 1989 granted powers to the Conservators to regulate horse riding in Epping Forest by introducing a licensing scheme to control a minority of irresponsible riders.

Since then vested interests in the form of horse riding establishments and organisations have continually objected to all attempts by the conservators to propose reasonable byelaws.

In 1989, the Friends of Epping Forest collected, in three weeks, 9,000 signatures to a petition supporting the conservators. Furthermore, 13 local amenity organisations (representing 7,000 members) also gave support to the conservators' proposals.

Some riders still refuse to accept that they are a group of forest users who, by their quite legitimate use of the forest, cause damage to the ground that severely inconveniences other forest users.

Rides totalling 56 miles are provided to lessen the effect of this damage. In addition there are large free-range riding areas.

From a survey of 30 other forests, we understand that our forest is the only one in the UK where riding is not regulated in some way.

Those selfish riders who are objecting so vociferously should realise how lucky we all are to be able to enjoy such a unique area as Epping Forest not only for its beauty and tranquillity, but particularly for the access that we all have to it.

KEN HOY,

chairman,

Friends of Epping Forest,

Green Street,

Pleshey,

Chelmsford.