HAZARDOUS rides along busy roads and narrow lanes could soon be a thing of the past for local horse riders.

Chrissy Bacon and Nicholas Lechmere hope to introduce a toll-riding scheme in Hanley Castle.

Riders would pay an annual subscription for access to set routes across privately-owned land.

A fluorescent hatband would identify them as members of the scheme.

Mr Lechmere has planned a route on his own land, and is seeking the co-operation of local farmers and landowners in creating further circuits.

"The area is riddled with lanes and main roads and they all have their dangers," he said.

"The idea is to get riders off the road."

Toll riding originated in Kent in 1990 when TROT (Toll Rides Off-Road Trust) was established by a group of riders concerned by increased traffic.

Worcestershire was the fifth county to join the organisation and already has six networks in towns such as Pershore and Evesham.

Mrs Bacon has recently moved to the area from Worcester and was a member of a toll-riding scheme in Ombersley.

"I think it's the only way forward for riders, as you can't really relax and enjoy it when you're riding on the road," she said.

"Plus there are near misses all the time which are not nice for horses, riders or drivers."

Riders would pay around £120 a year, with 70 per cent going to participating landowners.

Mr Lechmere believes the scheme would benefit riders without causing disruption to farmers.

"All members are visible and documented so any problems could be controlled," he said.

More than 50 people have already expressed an interest in the scheme and if landowners give the go-ahead Mr Lechmere hopes to implement the scheme as soon as possible.