RESIDENTS and graziers are to be consulted about proposed cattle grids for Kempsey's Stonehall Common after a renewed claim that objectors dare not protest.

The scheme for two cattle grids was drawn up as part of a plan to bring back grazing, in response to the concerns of Stonehall residents about the management of the common.

So far, Kempsey Parish Council has received only two objections.

One was from a resident objecting that a grid near her house would be noisy and claiming that others were afraid to object because of bullying.

The other was from another resident, Alan Lord, who has written several letters of objection and who spoke during an open forum after this week's council meeting. He said the grids would endanger cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.

On a recent Sunday, he had counted 138 cyclists riding across the common and said their safety would be put in jeopardy by cattle grids, even if they had gates beside them.

He claimed other residents were three-to-one against the grid scheme and urged the council to consult them and make sure everything was "open and above board".

"There has been concern that people are afraid to object. I think it is diabolical if they are afraid to object because they don't want to upset someone else," he said.

In an initial consultation, the council had asked for comments only from those living nearest, who would be directly affected.

"I stayed at home for 18 months waiting for someone to come knocking on my door to ask my views," said Mr Lord.

"If the majority of residents and users are in favour of these cattle grids I won't put my objections forward.

"I haven't been on the common long enough to dictate my views to anyone. I am just concerned that people with objections are not being heard."

Chairman Joy Clee said it would be very good to hear views from more people.

The council agreed to write to all Stonehall Common residents and all graziers with commoners' rights, asking for their comments on the cattle grid scheme.