Horse and cart rider in animal park ban

A nuisance horse-and-cart rider has been hit with an injunction by borough council chiefs after being caught galloping through a Black Country park.

Craig Jackson was caught riding horses and horse-drawn carriages through Darlaston's George Rose Park eight times in just four months. He has now been banned from taking the animals into the park and from encouraging others to do the same after Walsall Council sought an injunction.

The 28-year-old, today told the Express & Star he was abiding by the ruling.

But signs reminding people that horseriding and motorcycling are not permitted on the council-owned land will now go up following the decision by Walsall County Court.

Councillor Anthony Harris, cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: "We do always use legal action as a last resort and I hope this ruling will act as a clear reminder to everyone – horse and bike owners – that parks are not suitable for this type of activity.

"The signs will reinforce our message that public parks are not race-tracks or practice areas for horse and carriages or motorcycles."

Mr Jackson, of Herberts Park Road, Darlaston, was caught by council officers eight times between November last year and February this year. He was sent numerous letters from the local authority reminding him that it was not allowed but the problems persisted.

Officers said they had no choice but to pursue the injunction, which was the first of its kind for Walsall Council. Councillor Paul Bott, chairman of the Friends of George Rose Park group, said: "This practice is not only dangerous to other park users, it also creates a lot of expensive damage."

Mr Jackson would not comment extensively about the court case. "What more is there to say?" he said. "It is all done with now."