Grazing Ponies on Rhossili Cliffs
We are very aware that emotions are running high over the safety of the grazing ponies on our local cliffs and whether they will be allowed to remain there. The topic has had recent media coverage and is a live issue on social media. The issue has been brought into the spotlight by the presence of one stallion who was escaping onto the highway and becoming a danger to both road users and himself.
The first concern for all of us should be the safety and welfare of the ponies, alongside the safety of walkers and others who are responsible users of our footpaths and rights of way. Sadly, there have been fatalities in recent years with ponies falling from the clifftops. This has been of great distress to those who care for the animals, and to local residents and visitors who have witnessed the incidents.
The landowners, with its land management responsibilities for the headlands, are trying to find a solution along with their partners such as the City and County of Swansea who are responsible for the maintenance and safety of the rights of way. As your community council we will play our part, if needed, in facilitating a solution as best as we are able. A solution will no doubt require the cooperation of all parties.
We would ask everyone to remain calm, not believe everything that they read on social media – comments which can often be uninformed and highly charged – and allow the partners time to find a workable solution.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Your Community Councillors
Rhossili Community Council