Row over 4x4s crossing river on unclassified route

Simon Addington said there were two miles of other lanes in the village that the parish council was happy for vehicles to use

Some villagers fear a scenic green space beside a chalk stream river will become too dangerous to use if a council confirms that vehicles can use it.

A ford once existed at River Green in Ringland near Norwich, but since a bridge was built in the 1920s, the lane has become a picnic spot.

The Green Lane Association, a group that helps people access unclassified roads, has asked Norfolk County Council to clarify whether the former road can be used by all vehicles.

Parish councillors believe the group wants motorists in large off-road 4x4s to drive across the river.

The River Wensum at Ringland is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

"It doesn't seem to us to achieve anything other than giving people driving 4x4s a chance to drive through a river," said Simon Addington, who is a Ringland parish councillor.

"I'd feel disappointed because I know it's going to ruin the opportunities for people to come and use this for leisure activities."

He said barriers had been installed to stop drivers from entering the unclassified road after a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle several years ago.

The bridge that replaced the ford was built in the 1920s

The Green Lane Association has made an application to designate the public right of way as a "byway open to all traffic".

Steve Morgan, media officer for the association, said it advised members on how to responsibly access the UK's unsurfaced and unclassified roads.

He said that, as things stand, any vehicle could legally use the old ford as the council "haven't stipulated" that it was no longer in use.

But Mr Morgan said the group did not want to cause "aggravation" for people.

The association wanted to clearly inform members about whether it was legal and safe to drive on the unclassified road, he added.