AN ancient smugglers' bridleway is to be changed because of sensitive security measures at RAF Fylingdales.

Members of the North York Moors National Park's services committee have agreed to remove a section of the bridleway which extends within the high security compound, together with a short length to the south at Wood Slack.

The route was used by smugglers taking salt and rum from the one-time smuggling haven of Robin Hood's Bay, across the moors.

Geri Coop, the park's public rights of way officer, said: "This has presented a problem to the security of the site, as the public have the right to go along the bridleway and the compound fence obstructs them."

Much of the route, known as the Robin Hood's Bay Salt Road, was diverted at the time the station was built 40 years ago, she said. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is to extinguish the remainder of the cul-de-sac bridleway.

She said: "There is potential for significant public gain by the creation of bridleways on the MoD estate to mitigate the loss of the bridleway."

The creation of a route from Lilla Cross, on the route of the Lyke Wake Walk, to Eller Beck bridge on the A169, and north to Goathland, had been suggested, said Ms Coop.

"It would provide a valuable east-west bridleway link."

An additional route, going south from Eller Beck to the A169 Pickering to Whitby road, and across to Nab Farm and Malo Cross, is also being considered.