Article by Sarah Morgan
An unsurfaced County Council maintained road, or green lane between Foulsham and Themelthorpe, that is in danger of having irreparable damage done to it, has become the subject of a local community campaign. The aim of the group ‘Reclaim the Lane’ is to apply for reclassification to exclude all motorised vehicles, with the money for the process being raised via the crowdfunding site GoFundMe.
Since agricultural vehicles stopped using the lane and farmers are no longer under obligation to put right any damage, trail bikes and 4x4s who do not want to use the commercial mud tracks available in Norfolk, have made the road impassable for anyone on foot, on a bicycle or on a horse. Three-quarters of potential users of this lane are effectively excluded from it.
There are many organisations that represent off-roaders but not everyone who engages in this hobby must belong to one. It is also worthy of note that motor vehicles already dominate our highway network and compromise the pleasure and safety experienced by those who wish to cycle, walk, and horse ride on our roads. It is highly undesirable to have our green spaces compromised in the same way. Green spaces are essential for mental and physical well-being and health, and many of Norfolk County Council’s policies reflect that the environment needs to be protected and made more accessible. The lane connects the villages. It offers car-free access to their leisure and tourism businesses and links the wider community with the Marriotts Way long-distance path, Foxley Wood nature reserve, and public transport.