I found your editorial on the subject of the new Government legislation on the Right To Roam totally misleading (Evening Press, March 9).

This legislation applies only to 'Mountain Moor and Heath'- the present situation on the remaining land is unaltered. Your comments that landowners will be forced to pull down Keep Out notices it totally wrong.

Of course the public should be able to enjoy the countryside, which owes much of its beauty to the forethought of generations of farmers and landowners. The public can enjoy this by the many miles of footpaths and bridleways which are clearly marked.

It is important for farmers and wildlife that the public stick to the proper paths and do not go trampling growing crops or disturbing livestock. Last year, more than 2,000 sheep were killed or mauled by dogs and the number rises every year.

During last year I caught a member of the public washing his dog in the cattle drinking trough. When I spoke to him he saw nothing wrong in this and said it was the droppings from my cattle which had soiled his dog.

On another occasion I had just put down the winter feed for the horses when a dog came over and lifted its leg over the hay. Again the owner was unapologetic. Another time I was standing with a seriously-ill beast waiting for the vet when I asked a dog owner to keep his three dogs at a distance only to be met with abuse.

The countryside is the farmer's workplace and no business could operate or tolerate uncontrolled access. The people who you are encouraging to pull down Keep Out notices are the very ones who are not welcome in the countryside. It needs a good relationship from both parties and your suggestions of a Right To Roam will not promote this environment.

David Pearcy,

Heslington,

York.

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