Action ongoing to resolve safety issues caused by loose horses

Thursday, 21 March 2024 00:00

Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Police are working in partnership to resolve an ongoing issue involving several horses regularly roaming loose and causing safety concerns in the Odstock area.

Since the beginning of 2024, Wiltshire Police has received almost 40 reports of horses loose on the road on the A338, causing safety issues for drivers in the area.

Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Police have been in contact with the owners of the horses to try to find a solution.

Cllr Dominic Muns, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We’re aware that this issue is causing problems for people in the local area and it’s a particular safety concern for motorists.

A338 near the Nunton & Odstock Junction (Image: Google Streetview)

“We are working with Wiltshire Police and engaging with the owners to look for an amicable solution as quickly as possible that ensures the horses are kept safely and securely. In the meantime, our advice for people in the area is to drive carefully and watch out for the possibility of horses in the road and to please not engage with them or their enclosure.”

Inspector Tina Osborne of Wiltshire Police said: “We are working very closely with our partners in dealing with the ongoing concerns and are taking the necessary steps to ensure that there is a quick resolution to this issue.

“We understand the concerns of the public but want to reassure the community that this issue is a priority for the local Neighbourhood Police Team and is being taken seriously, hence involving partners such as Wiltshire Council to ensure that the appropriate cause of action is taken by the appropriate authority.”

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