"RIDICULOUS" plans to move a Worcestershire bridleway from one side of a hedge to the other was due to come under the spotlight during a public inquiry today.

Villagers living in Stoke Bliss, near Tenbury Wells, oppose the move - which they claim is ridiculous - and have been fighting the proposal for more than three years.

Campaigner Josephine Reeves, of Thorn Bungalow, is now hoping the Government inspector will overturn the ruling from Worcestershire County Council to shift the bridleway a distance of about 5ft.

The council ruled the public track should be moved when it took over Stoke Bliss following the boundary changes a couple of years ago but this caused public outrage.

"They want to move the bridleway from one side of the hedge to another - it really is quite ridiculous," said Mrs Reeves who works as a market researcher.

She called the Ombudsman in when she heard the news as she claims the county council would need a Modification Order to carry out the changes.

"The new bridleway would run up the access road to my cottage which is not suitable for horse riders as it's very narrow and has got a high bank so they could easily tip over the side.

"When we bought the cottage 19 years ago we were governed by Herefordshire Council and according to their plans the bridleway was on the other side of the hedge.

"But when Worcestershire County Council took over they claimed the definitive map showed the path to the other side of the hedge.

"In preparation for the move the council even ripped up a cattle grid outside our property and moved a bridge - it has all been quite ridiculous.

"We have been fighting this move for three years and hope the inspector will support our views," she said.

The inquiry was due to open at Stoke Bliss village hall today.