COUNCILLORS will be asked next week to underline a commitment to save gorse bushes on a riverside walk.

In January, Catterick Village residents linked arms to prevent contractors getting on to open land known locally as 18 Acres.

They were angry they had not been told about the removal of the shrubs, agreed by tenants Richmondshire District Council and landlords, the Leeds And District Amalgamated Society of Anglers.

At the time, people power worked. First the contractors retreated, and then the council agreed to consider a management programme for the gorse rather than its removal.

However, the compromise needs the backing of the angling association, which has yet to respond to a request for talks over the terms of the lease.

Richmondshire councillors will be asked on Tuesday to support further attempts to get the anglers to agree a new deal.