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Ramblers, landowners and the Woodland Trust have rejected plans to open a footpath to cycling and horses.

Members of Spokes, the South West Hertfordshire Cycling Group, have applied for a modification order on Footpath 15, which runs from Chandlers Cross to Croxley Green, to allow them to ride along the route and encourge others to ditch their cars.

To achieve this they must submit historical evidence to Hertfordshire County Council, to prove horses and bikes once used the path.

But the plan has met with fierce opposition. Cycling is illegal along a footpath and landowners said they constantly face abuse when they confront those who flout the rules.

One landowner, who would not be named for fear of reprisals, said: "We have suffered greatly. It really is spoiling our quality of life. Before the kissing gates were put in, we'd get four or five lycra-clad cyclists charging along here at 30 or 40 miles per hour. They go as fast as they can.

"It should be safe because you only meet walkers. You shouldn't meet bikers coming round the corner."

Another said: "How you can have horses, cyclists and pedestrians with dogs all using the same area, I cannot understand."

Two appeals have already failed to upgrade the footpath, one in 1966 and another in 1969. Therefore, the landowners said, if historical evidence did not exist then, it must not exist now.

They also said other routes are available to travel between the two villages, notably Rousebarn Lane, which means another bridle path is unnecessary.

The Woodland Trust, which owns Harrocks Wood where a section of the footpath is found, said their priority would be to protect the "stunning" flora and fauna, such as coralroot bitter cress and bluebells.

A representative of The Woodland Trust said: "There isn't a history of Harrocks Wood being used as a bridle path.

"We're not opposed to cycle routes where appropriate but we feel it's not needed and wouldn't be beneficial to the vast majority of users. Our first priority is to manage the wood and protect species."

The Watford and Three Rivers Ramblers' Association also questioned the need for change.

A representative said: "We certainly wouldn't approve of that idea at all.

"Horses churn up footpaths and we don't object to cyclists but it's quite dangerous when we're walking and a cyclist suddenly appears at speed.

"I wouldn't mind a separate cycle path but I wouldn't want horses."

9:07am Friday 9th May 2008

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