Horse and cart custom under fire after crash

A long-standing Black Country custom of horse and cart driving has been criticised following a crash in Tipton.

It happened on St Mark's Road on Saturday. No-one is thought to have been injured.

The crash follows a rally on Friday which saw dozens of horse owners take to the streets of the town to protest against a council policy which has seen bailiffs seize horses that are roaming or tethered on land. Horse owners have defended the tradition of having horses in the town.

However, the latest crash has prompted complaints.

In an email to the Express & Star, one reader said: "Five large carriages pulled by horses were charging down St Mark's Road Tipton, two abreast.

"They couldn't get past a parked van and one crashed into the other. It crashed and overturned with adults and children on board falling onto the road. I don't know if the van was damaged or anyone was seriously hurt.

"These carriages appear often in our streets in Princes End often driven by children. Horses are ridden without saddles or protective gear.

"Horses are grazed on the grass verges and cover the ground with horse dung.

"Old peoples' flats overlook this. It's unhealthy, unsafe and anti-social. I noticed today they were gone but the place is covered with horse dung. This is not tradition. It's a practice that somehow has been tolerated and allowed to go on.

"People will not complain as they feel intimidated."

He added that football games have had to be cancelled in the area due to horse dung covering pitches.

Horse and cart owners are battling to preserve the tradition in Sandwell following a crackdown by Sandwell Council.

Over the last few months the authority has authorised bailiffs to seize roaming hor-ses and in some cases, horses tethered on open land have also been taken. At least eight animals have been taken in recent months.

Sandwell Council have defended its action saying it is being done to make the area safer.