A PUBLIC meeting will be held this week to discuss plans to change a Teesdale footpath into a bridleway.

Durham County Council's Highways Committee will meet on Thursday to discuss the footpath at Lartington.

The application to modify the right of way has been submitted by the British Horse Society.

Signs saying No Horses were put up in 1998 following a request from a resident.

But documentary evidence has been sent with the application, which suggests the path was regularly used by horses for a period of more than 20 years before the signs were put up.

Landowners have disputed this claim and the Ramblers Association and Lartington Parish Council have asked that it remains as a footpath.

Chris Tunstall, deputy chief executive (environment and change management) and Andrew North, deputy chief executive (corporate services) recommended the footpath is upgraded to bridleway status.

In a report to councillors, they write: "Whilst it is accepted there is a conflict of evidence over the amount of use, it is not felt this is sufficient to defeat the claim."

The meeting takes place in Cotherstone Village hall at 11.45am.