FOR many years, the green roads and trails of the Lake District have been the subject of conflict because they are used by off-road vehicles as well as walkers and horse riders.

Conservationists are concerned about damage to unsurfaced roads; walkers and riders have voiced fears about meeting large and noisy vehicles out on the fells; and there is the whole issue of whether off-roading is appropriate in a national park.

But the drivers of such vehicles say they have made recreational use of Lake District roads for more than a century and they have a legal right to access - and their associations say their members are responsible people.

A new group, comprising of many different fell users, is trying hard to resolve the issue but, for some, compromise is not an option.

See News, Lakes news and Lifestyle - Environment for more.