AN access campaign group is calling on people from East Lancashire to pledge their support to Pendle MP Gordon Prentice's right to roam bill.

Access Boulsworth Campaign representatives have already visited the House of Commons to discuss the bill with Mr Prentice and Paddy Tipping MP, deputy leader of the house. It goes before the house for debate on March 26 and needs at least 100 MPs to support it.

ABC has been campaigning for years to get access over Boulsworth Hill, which separates Lancashire and Yorkshire.

A committee spokesman said: "It is vital that we show our support for this bill because the Government will use it to measure the strength of feeling about this issue.

"If they can see that there is public support they will probably bring in legislation in the next parliamentary year. If not, this Labour party manifesto pledge will simply fall off the end of the Government agenda.

"In our view legislation is the only way that we can get access to the whole of the Boulsworth area."

People wishing to pledge support are invited to a ramblers rally at Shirburn and Pyrton Hills, Oxfordshire, on March 14 at noon.

A coach has been organised for ABC subscribers by Keith Wadd, West Riding Ramblers Secretary, and for more information contact 01423 872268.

ABC is also urging people to write to their MP and Enironment Minister Michael Meacher MP.

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