HORSE riders are battling to keep open a favourite route in the Elgar village of Lower Broadheath, three miles west of Worcester.

They claim the mile-long track from The Elms in Frenchlands Lane to The Lingens at Sledgemoor, Cotheridge, was a popular ride for many years before ownership of some of the land changed in the early 1990s and gates were padlocked.

The exact status of the track is disputed.

Originally, Worcestershire County Council backed a landowners' plea to ban horses on it. However, the riders won an appeal to the Government Officer for the West Midlands, who ordered that the route be upgraded to a bridleway and added to the definitive map.

The landowners in turn appealed and on Tuesday, April 6, a planning inquiry will be held at Wichenford Memorial Hall to hear evidence from both sides.

Julie Crow, who rode the route for many years, is urging as many people as possible to attend the inquiry, which begins at 10am.

"We believe we should be able to continue riding the route and I hope that riders will come and support us," she said.

Dressage

DRESSAGE fans are in for a treat on Sunday, February 29, when there will be a unique demonstration of dressage disciplines with music and commentary.

"Dressage Divas" is due to take place at Sellack, near Ross-on-Wye.

The event will feature Kate Butling riding at advanced level, Lucinda Darling at medium level, Hilary Fordyce at elementary level and Alice Hurley and Sarah Manning, who are both members of the pony club.

Tickets are available by phoning 01989 730382.