HORSERIDERS and carriage drivers will be allowed to use Gatescarth Pass under a permit system in a bid to save the track from erosion.

The measures will apply for the next six months and will help the Lake District National Park Authority plan for the future management of the route.

Following a contentious public inquiry last year, four-wheel drive vehicles and motorbikes are not allowed to use the pass, at the southern end of Haweswater, while assessments of its condition, research relating to users' perceptions and effects on vegetation are carried out.

Initially, horse riders were also prevented from using the route, but will now be able to apply for a monthly permit that will allow them access to the locked path for that month.

Access manager for the LDNPA Mark Eccles said: "Gatescarth Pass was badly eroded and damage had spread to surrounding vegetation. It was a huge job to repair the worst sections and now we want to monitor its recovery closely.

"We were commended by the public inquiry inspector for the way we consulted all users and interested parties, and this next stage of allowing horses back onto the track is another step forward."

An Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) came into force on the pass on May 4 and will last until November 2004.

In November, motorbikes and 4x4 vehicles will be allowed back on the pass for one day a month on a permit system.

To obtain permits, horse riders and people with horse-drawn carriages should contact the NPA on 01539-724555 or apply online by logging on to http://www.lake-district.gov.uk

May 29, 2003 15:00