CONSERVATIONISTS in Harrogate have vowed to fight schemes to turn footpaths along disused railway lines into "dangerous strips of environmentally unfriendly black tarmac."

Harrogate Borough Council's plans for improving the lot of cyclists include multi-purpose tracks around towns, but it will face opposition if it tries to upgrade the disused railways lines between Bilton and Starbeck and the Bilton Lane-Dene Park link.

Bilton Conservation Group says it will fight any scheme that includes laying tarmac and putting up lights after being dismayed by a pilot scheme on Mire Lane, a path from Bilton Lane to Woodfield Road and Dene Park which had caused problems.