A LEADING equestrian campaigner has hit out at the state of the county's bridleways, claiming they are affecting the area's "horse-tourism" opportunities.

Cosima Towneley, 38, of Cliviger, Burnley, said a recent day's riding in the Ribble Valley was ruined when bridleways were barred by locked gates.

Mrs Towneley was riding with a group of friends in Chipping when a bridleway was blocked by a secured gate. After undoing the lock, the riders came across another blocked gateway.

She claims that barring a gate with the intention of impeding use of the route by the public is both illegal and dangerous, leaving, in this case, four riders exposed on a rural lane to speeding traffic.

Mrs Towneley, vice-chairman of the National Federation of Bridleway Associations, said: "This is being done by a very small minority but they make it impossible for riders to gain access to the countryside safely."

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council, responsible for bridleways, said: "We will continue to take legal action to make sure the bridleway remains open."