THE highways department seems powerless to tackle the damage caused by 4x4 vehicles and trail riders to our network of green lanes (UUR’s, byways) (G&H, December 10).

To quote the council’s highways department, “The county council’s stance with regards to rights on UUR’s, they have a minimum pedestrian/footpath right and that any higher rights would have to be proven on a route by route basis. We do not investigate use of these routes by any means unless there is evidence of consequential damage”.

If there is damage then “highways” will say, “We haven’t any money to reinstate the route”. Surely as Mr C Proctor suggests, the way forward is to make all UUR’s footpaths and bridleways only and prosecute 4x4 owners and motorcyclists who use them. Step-over barriers would stop 4x4’s.

The state of the Green Lane at Raisedale Mill and Lowna Woods (Farndale) are fine examples of how lovely old green lanes are now almost unusable, and dangerous to walkers and horse riders alike.

Something has to be done and quickly. I urge everybody to write to their MP and demand action.

W B Tait, Helmsley