VILLAGERS in Cliviger are fighting plans to have a bridleway recently opened by Princess Anne redesignated as a highway.

The bridleway follows Green Lane, a narrow ancient track, which runs from Burnley Road at Cliviger Holme school to the Long Causeway at Robin Cross.

Objections to the proposed modification order will be heard at a public inquiry at Burnley Town Hall on October 10 to 12.

Parish councillor Tony Harrison told Burnley's planning committee there were fears that if it were given highway status it would be used by scramblers and four wheel drive vehicles.

Asking the council for help, he said: "It is a complicated technical and legal issue.

"We have no access to legal resources as we are talking about a £5,000 consultation fee and £200 an hour.

"I am going to have to oppose it on behalf of Cliviger Parish Council and they deserve someone better than me."

Villager Phil Smith said that what was classed as a highway in 1800 may have been suitable for horses but was not satisfactory for the 21st century.

He said: "Walkers come to enjoy the countryside not to be mowed down by four wheel drivers.

"We don't want children being swept aside by young drivers in baseball caps."

Mr Harrison said the problem went back 12 years when someone from a scrambling club in the Pendle area asked for it to be made a highway .

The committee agreed to give "all possible help" to the parish council in its fight against the modification order.