An announcement from East Sussex County Council Rights of Way team

The Rights of Way Team at ESCC has secured a grant from DEFRA through the High Weald Protected Landscape Team at Flimwell. With that grant they can offer any landowners in the High Weald a free metal pedestrian gate to replace a stile. The cost of installation is down to the landowner – you can do it yourself or pay someone.

Generally, only pedestrian gates are offered because the cost of a kissing gate is double. The pedestrian gates (see picture) are self-closing and are reliable for stock control. However where there is notably a high risk if a gate was deliberately wedged open and stock escaped, i.e. next to a road, kissing gates will be considered.

If any landowners who are interested, or for further information, please contact the team at rightsofway@eastsussex.gov.uk.

Editors note: I have installed one of these on a public footpath at Hunters Farm. It seems very well-made – should last longer than a wooden stile. The hinges are offset so that the gate closes reliably under gravity (no spring required). It is difficult to see how it could get left open accidentally.