Smeeth Bank can be used as path following public inquiry decision

A landowner has failed to stop the reopening of a path, despite fears it will trigger a wave of crime caused by fly-tipping and trespassing bikers.

The remote 5km stretch runs along Smeeth Lode, a man-made waterway connected to the Great Ouse River in West Norfolk.

It links the villages of St John’s Fen and Emneth - but the route had been blocked off in recent years by oil drums, concrete barriers and even barbed wire in places.

The blockages along the track led to the British Horse Society, a national charity for horseriders, to call on Norfolk County Council to have it registered as a restricted byway, which would mean the barriers would have to be removed.

However, local landowner Steven Niemiec appealed against this move, arguing that doing so would leave the route at risk of being abused by motorbike riders, encourage hare coursing and attract fly-tippers.

The row led to a public inquiry being held, with a planning inspector – a government official that presides over public right of way disputes – called in to adjudicate.

Villagers met to discuss the matter last month, with tempers fraying.

However, there was a huge amount of evidence, such as historic maps, which proved the route had been in existence since the 1800s.

Inspector Mark Yates, having listened to the various views, ultimately ruled that the restricted byway should be confirmed due to this historical evidence.

He said the issue of crime and misuse of the track was not something he could consider and that this would be a matter for the police.

Smeeth Bank can now be used by people travelling on foot, horseback and with non-mechanically propelled vehicles, such as bicycles and horse and cart.