UNITED UTILITIES AND DEBDALE LANE

That this House deplores the action of UnitedUtilities in deciding to open Debdale Lane, Gorton, to vehicular traffic; notes that Debdale Lane is designated as a field footpath and bridleway and that under section 66(1) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 vehicles are prohibited from using a bridleway, whose only use should be for pedestrians, horses and cyclists; further notes that Debdale Lane at its junction with Hyde Road is gated in order to prevent vehicular access and thatLabour-controlled Manchester City Council, wishing to protect and assist local residents, has secured this gate with padlocks; recognises that United Utilities as the landowners can permit, and seem determined to permit, vehicular use over the land despite its designation as a field footpath and bridleway; is concerned for the safety and amenities of elderly people, children and others who have been accustomed to safe use of Debadale Lane, a position that has prevailed for at least 70 years; calls on United Utilities to maintain Debdale Lane as a non-vehicular footpath and bridleway; and is concerned that there seems to be no amenity in the Gorton area which United Utilities is not prepared to mar or destroy, with Debdale Lane becoming a fly tipping hot zone with ease of access via an often unlocked gate at Debdale Lane's junction with Hyde Road.