Reckless horse and trap riders ruin it for others

AUTHORITIES have banded together after numerous reports of “dangerous and illegal” driving of horse carriages around Newark.

- By LOUIS CORBETT

In recent weeks, carriages have been seen driving down the wrong side of the road, collisions on residential streets have been reported and racing has been witnessed along main roads.

The concern started when police were first called to Sleaford Road to reports that several vehicles had been damaged by a collision involving a horse and trap.

A 20-year-old man was then arrested on suspicion of theft of a conveyance and causing suffering to a protected animal. Since then the community has been vocal about those who are plaguing the town with a blatant disregard for the Highway Code.

A number of residents have contacted the RSPCA, their local councillors and Nottinghamshire Police to condemn the behaviour of those who have been ruining the town's reputation for its longstanding tradition of having horse traps.

County councillors Sam Smith and Keith Girling have both condemned the dangerous behaviour after hearing reports of horse-drawn traps driving on the wrong side of the road, being raced, and being driven by people under the age of 16 unaccompanied.