RAMPAGING horses posing a serious risk to the public’s safety due to persistently escaping from their enclosure will be discussed at a showdown with police on Tuesday.
The long-running issue in Brierley and Shafton involves a group of horses, allegedly owned by travellers, which has seen them venture out onto busy roads multiple times in recent months and damage cars.
Police have began an ‘evidence-gathering’ process alongside Barnsley Council - which saw locals meet with Barnsley Council leader Coun Sir Steve Houghton this week - and an update will be delivered by officers at The Acorn Centre, Grimethorpe, at 10am.
A spokesperson from South Yorkshire Horse Watch said: “A number of horses have already been hit by vehicles as they’ve been running on the road - it’s a dangerous situation for everyone involved.
“The RSPCA do not deal with roaming horses and we don’t believe the council’s acting fast enough.
“If they’re on the council’s land, as they have been in parks in Brierley and Shafton, it should be their responsibility and if they’re causing chaos on roads, the police should act.
“It’s a crazy situation as it’s a danger to both pedestrians and motorists. It needs sorting once and for all as there’s a real possibility that someone could be killed.”
Shafton Parish Council chairman Dave North, who will chair Tuesday’s meeting, told the Chronicle locals are rightfully concerned by the goings-on.
“It’s become a matter that’s no longer a nuisance but extremely dangerous,” he said. “We need someone to stand up and take action because we’ve done all we can to bring this to people’s attention.”
