I AM a Colcestrian, but I am not as fortunate as Ian Parker (Letters, February 16) to live near to Friday Woods.

I am nonetheless a Colchester resident.

Friday Woods is treasured by people all over Colchester and further afield, it should be accessible to all.

It is criss-crossed with bridle ways, public footpaths and rights of way.

READ MORE: Popular woods to be closed 'indefinitely' 

We have not and cannot be denied access to Friday Woods, but we have been denied the means to get there.

Mr Parker suggests we should all leave our cars at home and walk to the woods.

I have limited mobility.

Families with children in pushchairs and wheelchair users would have to walk along roads with no footpath so how does he suggest we all get there safely?

We were told by the MoD that the car park was closed for health and safety reasons.

This encourages dangerous parking along Bounstead Road.

If Mr Parker wanted to go walking in Highwoods would he leave his car at home and walk from Bounstead Road? I doubt it.

Is Friday Woods to be “for the few” – only for those fit enough to walk miles or for those who live on its doorstep?

Since meeting my husband 36 years ago, Friday Woods has always been our favourite place to walk our dogs, through all the seasons and in all weathers.

I am offended by Mr Parker’s suggestion that everyone abuses this facility.

We have always cleared up behind our dogs and frequently pick up other people’s litter.

As always the vast majority are punished for the anti-social behaviour of a small minority.

Putting up a barrier across the Bounstead Road car park entrance was a knee-jerk reaction from the MoD, or are there more sinister motives?

Cathy Fitzgerald
Gladwin Road, Colchester