cactus Oz

There was quite a serious altercation between the farmer who owns the land north of this section (where the horses are) and a group of cyclists using the towpath, and apparently straying onto his land. This happened at about 3.30 - 4pm. GBH was threatened repeatedly by the farmer (with a metal pole) and a member of the group (with a brick), and was (in my opinion) only prevented by the persistent dogged intervention of the farmer's daughter. Some children were frightened and upset. Police were called (by the farmer's wife). The tow path is closed, and barriers prevent cyclists in several places. Pedestrians can bypass these with a bit of a wriggle. BWB have constructed a heavy wood decking road across the farmer's land so that heavy equipment can be brought closer to the embankment where the breach occurred. This is NOT a public right of way, and I suggest using it would be very unwise without asking permission from the landowner. On another note, there is a planned pumping of water into the pound below the breach ( a clay barrier has sealed of the canal at Middle Bridge) on Monday 22nd September. Unfortunately it hasn't rained for over a week, and there may be too little water flowing down the River Stour to do an effective job. More rain, anyone?