I write, prompted by the readers' letter from Dawn Young (January 5) and maybe to pre-empt any suggestions that horses and riders should keep off the roads and use bridleways.

I believe I speak for all riders when I say we would not choose to ride on today's busy roads given an alternative

Early in 1998 I approached York City Council and asked if something could be done to improve the environmental disaster of our local bridleway, Outgang Lane, Osbaldwick, once a pleasant green lane.

At first I was passed from pillar to post; no one department willing to tackle the problem and accept responsibility. With support from other concerned local residents I continued to press the council, and finally persuaded representatives from Cleansing, Rights of Way and Environmental Health to visit the site. All were appalled by what they saw, promises were made, but the lane remains an eyesore.

There are two fundamental problems; gypsies and "fly-tippers". Council representatives Stuart Grieves and Robin Carr concluded that funds were not available to clear the rubbish, yet £250,000 has reportedly been spent last month to refurbish the nearby travellers' site.

Because I can appreciate the complexity of the problem I have offered a few constructive suggestions, but feel that the council regard the area as a "backwater"; out of sight, out of mind. When travellers invaded the Clifton Moor Trading estate, the problem was rapidly addressed amid much publicity.

Does anyone out there have the necessary "clout" to do the same for us?

Mrs K J Maclean,

Cottage Farm Stables,

Bad Bargain lane,

York.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.