FEARS for the safety of pedestrians have been raised following reports of horse riders using a new path linking two villages.

On Monday, Neasham Parish Council voiced concerns about people exercising their horses along the Neasham to Hurworth path and cycle route.

Villagers had campaigned for the path for 25 years and it was completed so recently that it has yet to be officially opened.

Many residents have already started walking and cycling along it, and councillors fear accidents could result if pedestrians or cyclists clash with horses.

The path's relatively soft tarmac surface has also been damaged by horses' hooves and horse excrement has been left on the path.

There was some confusion about whether the route could be used by horses.

Coun John Day asked if horses were allowed on public footpaths.

Coun John Weighell, chairman, told members that he was awaiting an answer from Darlington Borough Council after receiving complaints from residents.

"An elderly lady complained she had been forced to move aside by two horses coming towards her on the path," he said.

He did not think horses should be allowed on the path.

"Anyone who does ride on there really is breaking the rules. When it started, they had no intention of creating it for horses," he said

Other councillors were concerned because many children use the path. It is also located near a home for people with autism.

Coun Peter Foster pointed out children were encouraged to use the path as a safe walk-to-school route, from Neasham to schools in Hurworth.

"If children coming down the path meet horses, there could be trouble."

Members were also concerned about litter on the path.

Coun Day said he had seen three men leave beer cans there and was also concerned about horse and dog excrement. He suggested the parish council request litter and dog bins from Darlington Council.

On Wednesday, a spokesman for Darlington Borough Council confirmed that horses were banned.

"Horses are not allowed to use the path. They are not even allowed to walk along it. We are looking at the possibility of erecting signs on the path to this effect.

"It is not our policy to put litter bins on rural footpaths, where there are few shops and takeaways, but we will look into it if they are requested.