Muddy Lane under Threat - Support Needed

Muddy Lane between Byfleet and Wisley.

Right of Way challenged

Steph has passed on the following request from George James of the Elmbridge Cycling Group, who with Woking Cycling Group, are mounting a defence of the right of way along Muddy Lane, that links Wisley Lane with Byfleet. Apparently, a landowner is trying to deny access. George James is asking for support and to be contacted by anybody who cycled along Muddy Lane between 1983 and 2009. He writes:

"Do you know the path, called Muddy Lane, that links Byfleet to Wisley?  If you do, and if you have cycled along it in the past then I would like your help.  Muddy Lane is a very strategic route for cyclists heading south from this area, there are few safe alternatives. 

It has been used without hindrance for many years, but recently the landowner has decided that cyclists are not welcome and is trying to prevent anyone from using the lane.  We (the Woking Cycle Group and the Elmbridge Cycle Group) are intending to make an official change of use application, so that the right to use this lane is preserved.  For this we need to identify people who have cycled this path at any time between 1983 and 2009.  Did you, or do you know of anyone, who may have used this path during this time?  If so, please get in touch with me, you help will be much appreciated."

George James

GeorgeJ@georgejames.com

www.elmbridgecycle.org

   I do know from our Archives that Terry led the B Group along Muddy Lane on 23 September 2009. Here is the link to the blog and photos of those on that ride. The photo is of poor resolution, but shows a group of about 20 riders.There must be innumerable instances in the 15 years from 1983 to 2009. Since we have a champion who is prepared to fight to retain our access, we should offer him all the support that we can muster. I am the most unlikely person to have knowingly used this route, but if you have used Muddy Lane in that 15 year period, do please let George know, with whatever detail you can provide. If you are too shy to contact him, let me know. His email address is: GeorgeJ@georgejames.com. I hope that those in the photo (perhaps one person on behalf of the rest) and others will be able and willing to help. If you don't use it, lose it!

Jeff