VANDALISM and unauthorised cycling have led to factors at Gosford Estate erecting fencing and controlling the movement of visitors.

The news has alarmed local residents, who have said it would be “terrible” to lose access to the private grounds due to the actions of a few.

Martin Andrews, factor at Wemyss and March Estates, said: “Over the last few months, we have had doorways kicked in; suffered masonry damage to the curling house; had damaged slates on the boathouse roof due to people climbing on it; lost a bench which was stolen or thrown into the ponds; had numerous way markers thrown into the ponds; during the recent freeze seen loose sticks or logs thrown into the ponds; and had significant wildlife disturbance, especially from dogs out of control.

“There have also been parking altercations which have required police attention on more than one occasion.

“We also wish dog owners would deal with poo bags properly and not dispose of them in our trees and bushes.”

Mr Andrews said that the number of visitors accessing the estate and policies was higher now than at any time in the past, probably due to Covid-19 restrictions.

He said: “We have tried hard to keep Gosford open during the Covid pandemic to provide an area where access by the public can be taken safely but are growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of respect for the estate being shown by some.”

The estate operates an annual permit system which allows holders access to walk in the grounds of Gosford for £15 per year.

A number of access points into the estate – between Longniddry and Aberlady – have now been closed off, with visitors directed to enter via the Gosford Bothy Farm Shop.

The estate has also employed a ranger on a part-time basis to manage access and check permits.

Mr Andrews said that, despite signs around the estate saying ‘No cycling in the gardens and grounds of Gosford’, people were cycling through the woodland tracks to the ponds.

He said: “There has been a significant increase in all cycling.

“We do have some problems with cycling at Gosford and it is not appropriate to cycle in the gardens.”

A spokesman for Gullane Area Community Council, who lives in Aberlady, said: “It’s probably just kids who are vandalising it.

“These kids have got nothing to do during the day and are just going about inside Gosford. Closing off the grounds at Gosford will have a major impact on [the community] – it’s something we wouldn’t want.

“Lots of the villagers walk in there and it would be terrible if we lost it.

“But it’s their [Gosford House’s] prerogative – they own the land and it’s understandable.

“It’s something we wouldn’t want to lose but if that’s how the Gosford people want to run it, it’s their problem, and that’s how they want to address it.”

An East Lothian Council spokesperson confirmed they had been consulted.

“In recent months, the number of visitors accessing outdoor locations across East Lothian has risen considerably, which has put pressure on some of the more fragile environmental sites,” said the spokesperson.

“The Scottish Outdoor Access Code is based on three key principles: ‘To respect the interests of others; care for the environment; and to take responsibility for your own actions.’

“Councils work closely with landowners and managers to support a balance between providing people with access to the outdoors and ensuring that people are enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

“Unfortunately, the number of visitors to the Gosford Estate has resulted in some erosion of footpaths and there have also been some incidents of vandalism which they are managing, after consultation with East Lothian Council, through temporary restricted access.”

Mr Andrews added: “Gosford has been open to the public for a very long time and walking in the grounds and gardens is enjoyed by numerous individuals and families, the vast majority of whom are supportive and responsible.

“It will be a great shame if the minority continue to lead this debate and we will try very hard to make sure that the grounds remain open for bona fide visitors to continue to enjoy.

“We are trying to manage things in a fair manner and feel that asking people to access via a specific entrance to allow us some ability to engage with visitors and to manage things is reasonable.”

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