A NORTH Yorkshire organisation is taking a leading role in efforts to reduce the number of public bridleways being hard-surfaced.

Harrogate Bridleways Association believe that planning permission is required for a change in surface to a public bridleway or footpath and is concerned by moves from local councils to tarmac some routes without consultation.

They have joined forces with the British Horse Society to set up a fund to obtain a barrister's opinion on the matter.

The opinion will cost £3,000 and the BHS Legal Fund has agreed to donate £1,200. Various bridleways associations and riding clubs have donated a further £700, leaving a shortfall of £1,100.

The hazard of slippery tarmac is also increasing on public roads because of a trend for more widespread use of Stone Mastic Ashpalt (SMA) on both major and minor roads.

SMA is the European standard for road surfacing. It is quiet and lasts longer than ordinary asphalt, but it can be lethally slippery for shod horses, particularly if grit is not applied to it at the correct stage.

The materials laboratory for Devon, who deal with road surfaces in that county, have recognised that, when the standards were set for SMA, nobody had thought about horses with metal shoes being ridden on roads.

Anyone who has experienced slippery tarmac is urged to report the details direct to Sheila Hardy at the BHS on 08701 202244.

Donations towards the cost of the barrister's opinion can be sent to "Harrogate Bridleways Association Legal Fund", c/o Miss Judith Turner, Chairman, 23 Birstwith Grange, Birstwith, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.