WAR has been declared on the illegal obstruction of footpaths in North Yorkshire.

The county council and the Ramblers' Association have agreed to set up a task force to spot illegal blocking, and to clear it.

It follows a council promise last month that it was committed to clearing blockages on North Yorkshire footpaths - and comes only four months after it was branded as having the worst record in the country.

The Ramblers' Association recently highlighted problems with the county's paths, which the council has a legal right to ensure are clear.

Mike Moore, North Yorkshire's director of environmental services, said: "The county council is pleased to be working in partnership with the Ramblers' Association to improve the footpath network in this beautiful county."

Volunteers from the Ramblers' Association will dedicate their time to working alongside the council.

Task force volunteer Jack Cowen said: "I think North Yorkshire has some of the best countryside in Britain.

"I'm delighted our new voluntary group will be helping staff fulfil the council's stated wish to get this wonderful network clear for people to enjoy."

Obstruction in the county has ranged from farmers growing crops over paths to placing gates and boulders in the way.

Blocking is a criminal offence, with local authorities legally required to take action.

In April this year, about 2,000 people attended a national rally at the Lightwater Valley theme park to urge authorities to do more.

The event, organised by the Ramblers' Association, included speeches by the association's former president and editor of the Independent on Sunday, Janet Street-Porter.

The crowds were told by Jacquetta Fewster, head of the association's footpath team: "Local authorities are failing in their legal duty to ensure all public paths are kept open, and this is unacceptable."

And she said North Yorkshire had the worst record in the country.

adam.nichols@ycp.co.uk