HORSE riders could soon be able to use tracks near Furze Hill after an application was made to change their status.

Last year members of the British Horse Society contacted Mistley Parish Council asking for advice as they wanted to use some footpaths in the village.

Notices have now been put up in Green Lane telling people Essex County Council has been asked to change the status of the lane to a restricted byway.

But some councillors are against the footpath being changed.

At a meeting on Monday Richard Horlock said: “They want to change it into a restricted byway but this will mean riders from outside the area will come in.”

Beth Chamberlin, of the British Horse Society, said: “Historical evidence and witness statements have been found to support the claim to upgrade the status of the lanes.”