Date: Fri 13-Nov-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Forest-Association-Holcombe

Full Text:

Holcombe Hill Goes Horseless

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Horse lovers got a bit of a surprise late last month when they discovered the

"No Horses" sign at the foot of Holcombe Hill.

The Great Hill Road property, formerly owned by the late Josephine H.

Holcombe, is now in the hands of the Newtown Forest Association. It is open to

the public. Hikers, bikers and cross country skiers are welcome. Horses are

not.

Newtown resident Tom Shremlik said he was disappointed in the forest

association's decision. He said Mrs Holcombe used to allow horse riders to use

the trails on her property.

Forest association member Wes Gillingham said horses tend to chop up the

trails, making it difficult for people to walk on them. He said there are

plenty of other trails in Newtown for horses.

Mr Gillingham said Holcombe Hill has been very busy on the weekends. Parking

has been the biggest problem. Cars are prohibited from driving to the top of

the hill. There is only a small space for cars to park.