RESIDENTS are angry that a well-used route in Carrington that passes Manchester United's training base has been closed.

The HIMOR group has closed a half-mile private road on its land, Birch Road, which pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders have used for decades as a route between Flixton and Dunham.

Messenger reader Tom Jeffs said the closure means people will have to use busy roads.

He said: "This route has been used by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders for at least 40 years, without interruption or problem.

"The football club has always been extremely nice and let people through, but now it has been asked to hand out letters telling us that the road is closed.

"People are generally disgusted.

"If this route is closed, cyclists are faced with using either Carrington Lane or Manchester Road, both of which are fast roads with lots of traffic, including HGVs, tipper trucks, buses, vans and cars.

"They are distinctly unpleasant to cycle along."

The letter from Himor Group that has been handed out to people on the route said: "Access beyond this point is not permitted. No access by any means will be granted beyond this point.

"The road beyond this barrier is private and any unauthorised access will be treated as trespass by the owner, HIMOR (Carrington) Limited."

Messenger has contacted HIMOR about the closure decision and is waiting for a response.