WGreen

Published at 01:00, Friday, 27 April 2007

CONTROVERSIAL plans to open up a series of green lanes across the Allen Valleys and Hexhamshire to bikers and off-road vehicles have been halted.

Members of Northumberland County Council’s rights of way committee met at the Allendale Inn last Friday to decide on the fate of three proposed byways open to all traffic (BOATs).

These cover sections of Blanchland Moor, Byerhope Bridge and the Carriers’ Way between Allenheads and High Acton.

Despite being recommended to agree the BOAT applications, the committee decided to defer the decision to a future meeting in light of new evidence.

To get a BOAT opened, an applicant has to prove there is an ‘historic’ highway along its course, in this case primarily by using maps dating back from the late 1700s and the 19th century.

However, it was this evidence that was questioned on Friday, when a member of the public handed in alternative interpretations of the maps.

Coun. Glen Sanderson said: “I would not be happy progressing this matter today, we need to hear balancing arguments from all sides.”

His proposal to defer the decision was seconded by local councillor Bill Purdue.

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk