A NEW organisation has been set up to highlight the problems of some off-road vehicles tearing up the North York Moors’ unclassified roads.

The new group, the North York Moors Green Lanes Alliance, has been set up in response to the damage on the national park’s unsurfaced and unclassified roads by some off-road motorbikes and 4x4s.

The green lanes, or trods, were probably created in the early medieval era. Three years ago the lanes were closed for three weeks after 15 large trod stones, measuring about 4ft by 3ft were lifted from Seggimire Lane at Ugglebarnby near Whitby and thrown into a ditch to create an off-road course. Shrubs were also ripped out and deep ruts left over a 200-metre stretch.

The damage was condemned by numerous groups, including the British Off-Road Driving Association, which said those who had vandalised the area had spoilt it for all off-roaders, who risked being tarred with the same brush.

North Yorkshire County Council has imposed an 18-month ban on recreational drivers using over two miles of green lane from near Hutton-le-Hole to Rawson Syke.

A spokesperson for the alliance said: “This had been a beautiful low-level route until the motorbike and 4x4 drivers ruined stretches of it.

“The ruts they caused have turned sections of the lane and the fields through which it runs into quagmires, very difficult for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

“The track used to be a favourite route to see the wild daffodils, for which this part of the national park is famous, but the areas where they grow have been badly damaged by the motorbikes.

“Local people hope that the ban will allow the daffodils to recover, and that the ruts can be filled in to allow walkers, cyclists and horse riders once again to use the track in safety and without difficulty.”

The alliance is now calling for the ban on recreational motorbikes and 4x4s permanent, once it ends in November 2017.

The North York Moors Green Lanes Alliance has been established to provide a forum for individuals who are experiencing problems or seeking advice.

They have invited anyone with particular concerns to contact them via email on nymgla@btinternet.com