A TRAINER in a North Yorkshire racing community has been forced to buy 20 tonnes of grit in order to keep the roads safe for horses and riders.

Mark Johnston said trainers in Middleham, near Leyburn, had been gritting the roads between the village and Middleham Moor for several years.

But now, despite North Yorkshire County Council being able to provide salt at cost price in the past, Mr Johnston said the price has now doubled.

He said: "When we first came here 30 years ago, the roads around Middleham were done as a priority.

"A few years ago the council stopped being able to grit as regularly, and they stopped gritting the road up the Middleham Moor, which is used daily by around 250 horses from the seven or so yards in the village.

"The trainers have been gritting it ourselves for many years, and we bought a gritter with the Middleham Stables Open Day cash."

Mr Johnston said the trainers used to get grit at cost price from NYCC but this year have been told they must pay full price.

He said: " Last winter brought it to a head because there were several episodes of terrible weather so this year we have bought a tractor-drawn gritter.

"It is frustrating that the price of grit from the council has doubled since last year, but we will pay for it because the road needs to be gritted.

"If it snows we will clear it and then treat the roads with grit – it benefits everyone in the community as well as the trainers."

Mark Johnston Racing is buying 20 tonnes of salt from NYCC, and the cost including delivery was estimated at around £1,250 – £62.50 a tonne.

Mr Johnston said previously they had paid £30 a tonne.

North Yorkshire County Council highways area manager Richard Marr said: "The grit was offered at ‘cost’ price last year as a gesture of goodwill.

"This year, unfortunately, as the council comes under increasing financial pressure, we have had to include our transport costs in the charge."

Mr Johnston added: "The road between village and moor is treacherous because it is very smooth Tarmac. If a horse slips it is very dangerous for both horse and rider."