ATTEMPTS to have an ancient right of way re-opened are being stepped up by Sowerby Parish Council.

It has been pressing North Yorkshire County Council for four years for the pathway alongside the Three Tuns Hotel to be included on a definitive map.

But the department dealing with public rights of way has told the authority that it has 350 such orders outstanding, but is looking at ways of reducing the length of time taken to process applications.

Sowerby councillors have pointed out that any further delay and the right of way could be lost forever.

Developers are building on land behind the Three Tuns and a dividing wall is to be built as part of the development.

The council will complain at the delay in getting the footpath defined and invite the county's chief executive to attend the next meeting to explain the delay.

Councillor Mark Robson said: "A four-year delay is not good enough.

"The county council has dragged its feet on this matter.

"The access has been used continually for almost 200 years. If this wall goes up we shall lose the right of way forever."