Setting the scene:
A bridle way leading from a dead end minor road adjacent to a small holding of sorts. Bridge crossing a small brook has partly collapsed (brick build and old pottery bridge I think). This happened before Xmas. The bridleway has been closed as presumabley the council feels the bridge is unsafe. There is a small gap at the edge of the bridge which is still intact and the steel fence doesn't cover (half of the bridge is still intsct).
My mate crossed it the other day just as the owner of the small holding got out of his landrover. He shouted "you can't cross it, you have to go around". He replied politely "yes I know". He then repeated it and then my mate said "he understood the risks" and carried on. The Guy then said I'm going to call teh police. My mate then said "OK" and walked over the bridge and away.
Now wether you agree of disagree with my mates actions where does the law stand. Am I right in thinking its a civil issue not a criminal issues if there was no breach of peaces etc and no criminal damage (it is not private land if it the piece of land I am thinking of).
Also if he is happy to take the risk then he would not have a leg to stand on (fnarf) in sueing/compensation if they are concerned with someone taking action?
Alos is it not the duty of the Council to keep the bridleway open? and thus repair the bridge ASAP. My mate says therer is no completeion date on the signage?