HORSES could be banned from using footpaths in rural Pendle if plans to introduce new legislation are passed.

The borough’s countryside access officer has drawn up a list of ways to prevent horses using public footpaths after councillors in West Craven raised concerns over the animals regularly causing a safety hazard in Parrock Street and Valley Gardens, Barnoldswick.

The councillors fear someone could be injured by a horse on the footpath and had asked which extra safety measures were available.

One of the options includes creating a bylaw which would make it a criminal offence to lead or ride a horse on certain footpaths.

Under current legislation people only have a legal right to use a public footpath if they are on foot unless they use a wheelchair or a disability scooter or have an ‘usual accompaniment’ such as a dog or pushchair.

However, it is not a criminal offence for people to lead or ride a horse on a public footpath.

Tom Partridge, the borough’s countryside access officer, said signs telling people the footpath between Parrock Street and Valley Gardens was only for pedestrians had already been put up in the area.

However the signs are not legally enforceable without a bylaw.

Barriers or bollards could be installed to accompany a bylaw and to stop horses from using the paths.

Mr Partridge said: “We could make a bylaw to make it a criminal offence to lead or ride a horse on specified footpaths.

“We would be responsible for enforcing the bylaw. This could be included in the remit of the enforcement team being established within operational services.”

It would cost around £500 to install a barrier, which would be funded through the area committee’s budget.

Any proposed bylaw must be advertised for one month.

Councillors on Pendle’s West Craven Committee will discuss the options at their meeting at the Rainhall Centre at 7pm on Wednesday.