A dispute between Moss Side WI and Ulnes Walton Bridleway Association came to a head when the West Leyland Area Committee sided with the WI.

The UWBA wanted to open up Nixon Woods footpath for a three-month trial as a safe route for horses through Moss Side after a number of accidents on fast roads nearby.

But this led to an outcry by Moss Side WI members who claim the path they created to mark the Millennium is not suitable for horses.

Chairman of the committee, Coun Alan Ogilvie, said the seven councillors at the meeting voted unanimously against the multi-use trial proposals.

He said: "We took into account the results of the public consultation which indicated the destruction of habitat as one of the main reasons people were against that and the report also said a significant amount of trees would have to be felled.

"All the councillors took the view not to support opening up the footpath for horses, but very firmly wanted to take forward the report's second recommendation to look at alternatives to find a safe path for horses from Nixon Lane to Ulnes Walton."

The report revealed that public opinion was split with 63 per cent supporting the project, 31 per cent objecting and six per cent being neutral on condition that illegal access and anti-social behaviour concerns were addressed.

There were also 70 objections sent to the council plus a 159-signature petition in support of the proposals.

Sue Taylor-Green, chairman of the bridleway association, which has around 150 members said: "Sadly it was rejected but we could see that coming. Obviously we're disappointed and we just hope there's no accidents in the mean time while they create an alternative. Had things been conducted evenly on both sides it might have been a different outcome."

Enid Lister, spokesman for the Moss Side WI, said: "We are very pleased that the seven councillors proposed the rejection of the application.
To make the path wide enough to be used as a bridle way it would have required 160 trees to be felled which is not acceptable.

"Common sense did prevail and the council have now promised to work with the Bridle Way Association."