Coastal path signs are pointing way to danger

I have a smallholding in the middle of nowhere, bought and paid for, running towards the cliff top with a couple of bullocks, a few sheep, chickens and geese and some good coastal erosion. I am 63 years of age.

Now there are a lot of nice people who like to bring their animals on the beach and down our lane to do their thing, which is fine.

I love to see them and often have a natter. But I've lost animals and property over the years and it was not down to Mr Fox. I know he is clever, but even he cannot use bolt croppers yet.

I don't have to worry now, however, because I understand that this problem will be policed by the local authority and local constabulary who will be down here that quick that the criminals will not have time to turn into nice, law-abiding walkers. I can picture it now – "Thank God you are here Sergeant". "Don't worry John, we've searched them – just organic carrot cake and Earl Grey tea. Sorry for the delay but we couldn't get down because of the fly tippers and couples in compromising positions."

It's a good job I have the strength of my insurance company around me. I can see it now, that extra clause – does your property form any part of the coastal path? I might get it cheaper.

We know health and safety is a nightmare, especially on farms. No one dare do anything, but it's trusting to see in the Defra report that they intend to leave it up to the public to decide safe access on to the beach from the coastal path.

Well, just recently I went to put the geese away from Mr Fox on the cliff top and as I looked over the edge at the sea crashing up I was surprised to see a little dog struggling in the mud halfway down in the wind and rain. I precariously picked out a way towards it but had to retreat as it was getting dark.

No-one would turn out from the emergency services. The operator told me that the dog might wander towards someone's house.

I explained to her that there is a shortage of dwellings around here, but Flamborough lighthouse looked welcoming if the dog was a good swimmer. I knew what would happen when my wife came home. A couple more trips to the cliff top in rigger boots and pyjamas (before bed) shouting "Here boy".

At first light the next day, I went to the cliff top again and I heard the dog barking, trapped in a large crevice halfway down the cliff. This time I dialled 999. They passed my message to the council offices but no help came.

Eventually, I managed to put my jacket over the dog's head to avoid being bitten and pulled it out, wet, cold, shivering and starving. It was 20 hours after my first call when the dog was collected.

That's the reality of health and safety policing in this neck of the woods.

From: John Dawson, Cowden, East Yorkshire.