Have you been walking around Gillingham lately? You’ll probably have come across some of the 21 self-closing gates that have recently been installed to replace stiles or other awkward access points.

Part of the Open Spaces policy of the Three Rivers Community Partnership is to improve access for all to public rights of way around the town.

Sheila Messer, Access project manager for Three Rivers said "With funds from NDDC's Liveability Fund the partnership has been able to have these gates installed. They are absolutely vital for good access to the countryside for everyone who lives in Gillingham."

Chairman of the Liveability Project Board, Councillor Michael Cox said "Liveability has made a huge impact on opening up the countryside and providing access for all. We are delighted to have helped Gillingham in this way."

Thanks are due to the landowners and their tenants, The Rights of Way Team at Dorset County Council (especially John Williamson, Rights of Way Access officer for the area), Giles Nicholson, (North Dorset Ranger) and Brian Millichamp (Town Council Footpath Liaison officer) for their support and help with this project.

A map showing the location of the new gates will available here soon.