HORSE lovers have been left angry following the installation of new barriers at a seafront car park.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has installed the height-limiting barrier in an attempt to ease residents' concerns about the dumping of rubbish and chemical toilets by people staying overnight in The Stray car park between Redcar and Marske.

And the local authority has assured people that the barrier will only be closed late at night in attempt to prevent people parking overnight.

However, people who like to take their horses for a run-out on the beach may now be unable to bring horse boxes into the car park due to new 2.1 metre height restriction.

Glynis Hall was furious to when she discovered the council had installed the barrier without any warning at all.

She said: "This is just another way to stop people enjoying themselves. Anyone wanting to park their lorry or trailer on the Stray while riding on the beach, think again they have now put barriers across with height restrictions. So now will only be able to park at Majuba car park but don't forget you need two tickets for a lorry or trailer."

Her campaign opposing the installation of the barriers gathered plenty of support from other horse-lovers who regularly ride-out on the popular beach.

She said: "I have be contacted by dozens of people about the issue, even one from a man who travelled up from Knaresborough twice a year to use the car park. He has said it won't be able to in the future as a result of the barriers."

A spokesman for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council defended the authority's decision and pointed out that it was following concerns raised by residents living in the area.

He said: “The council erected barriers to prevent vehicles taller than 2.1 metres entering the car park at The Stray in Redcar following complaints raised about overnight parking and associated littering, including the disposal of chemical toilets and barbecues.

"The barriers will only be closed late in the evening to stop overnight parking and all vehicles will still be able to use the car park.”