A LAND and property giant has reversed its decision to seal off a well-used route in Carrington that passes Manchester United's training ground, after a massive public outcry.

A host of community groups, spearheaded by Carrington Parish Council, came together to oppose the Himor Group's closure last month of a private road on its land between Isherwood Road and Birch Road, which has been used by generations of pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders travelling from Flixton to Dunham and to Altrincham.

The Himor Group cited anti-social behaviour - including fly-tipping, bottle digging and motor-cross riding - as the reason for shutting the path.

But now it has bowed to pubic pressure and agreed to re-open it.

A company spokesperson said: “ We have listened carefully to the people of Carrington and, appreciating the level of local sentiment, we have looked at options to facilitate public access.

"Whilst we are concerned about the safety of the public who have been using the route between Isherwood Road and Birch Road, on reflection, having discussed the issues with the parish council, ramblers, horse-riders and cyclists, we have taken the decision to grant the permissive use of the route to cyclists, walkers and horse riders alike.

"By making the route a permissive path, we are allowing public use along the route. However, a permissive path is not a public right of way and we do need to remind walkers, cyclists and horse riders that they use this route strictly at their own risk. We will be altering the signage as soon as possible to reflect this change allowing for access.

"We would remind local people that they should stick to this permissive path route between Isherwood Road and Birch Road - and to the rights of way nearby, as marked by signage - and not deviate onto the private land around these routes, where there are known health and safety risks as a result of anti-social behaviour.

"In addition to reopening the route between Isherwood Road and Birch Road as a permissive path, HIMOR and Trafford Council will jointly be establishing a working group with representatives from the ramblers, cyclists, horse-riders and other interested parties to discuss access issues and routes across the Carrington Estate as it is developed over the next 20 years.”

Sid Neild, chairman of Carrington Parish Council, welcomed the decision. 
Speaking also on behalf of walkers, ramblers, horse riders and cyclists, he said: "This is good news not only for the residents of Carrington,  but all other users that get pleasure from what Carrington Moss has to offer.
"Over the past few weeks I have wondered why the road was closed by Himor, and I can understand that there are certain people that don't use the Moss but abuse the Moss with motorcycles running all over without permission, and bottle diggers the leave behind potholes they have dug without filling them in. 
"These few are trespassers, and spoilers, and the many had to suffer because of their actions.
"I can only hope that in the not to distant future our groups and Himor can make the Moss a place that we all will derive pleasure out of.
"I also hope that, if not all, most of the other paths across Carrington Moss can be joined with Birch Road and Ashton Lane to make  a wonderful network of paths that will give pleasure to all."