AN INFLUENTIAL committee has called for an immediate end to moorland gripping.

The Government used to encourage the practice, which involves digging drainage channels, known as grips, in upland areas and farmers and landowners received grants to carry out the process in the Sixties and Seventies to make best use of grazing land.

But today it is believed to harm valuable peat bog habitats which make up much of the agricultural land in the North Pennines. It is also blamed for increased flooding risks through a greater water run-off rate; inflated utility bills because of water discolouration, and th reduced ability of fish to spawn successfully owing to gravel beds silting up.

Now the Environment Agency's regional fisheries, ecology, and recreation advisory committee wants an end to the practice.

Hugh Becker, committee chairman, believed landowners were willing to tackle the problem but needed clear guidance and a "modest" financial incentive.

The committee met on Wednesday and a report recommended an end to gripping and the restoration of land by blocking existing grips.

It also called for all parties, from Government departments to wildlife trusts and charities, to work with landowners and educate them about the practice.

It also called for further urgent research to be carried out.

Mr Becker said the issue of gripping provided a rare opportunity. "Simple steps could result in quick, cheap wins, both for the landowners and the environment," he said. "If this paper stimulates debate and leads to decisive, timely action, we will have made a big difference."