North West Water And Debdale Lane, Gorton

EDM number 1130 in 1993-94, proposed by Gerald Kaufman on 27/04/1994.

That this House deplores the action of North West Water in deciding to open Debdale Lane, Gorton, to vehicular traffic; notes that Debdale Lane is designated as a field footpath and bridleway and that under section 66(1) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 vehicles are prohibited from using a bridleway, whose only use should be for pedestrians, horses and cyclists; notes further that Debdale Lane at its junction with Hyde Road is gated in order to prevent vehicular access and the Labour-controlled Manchester City Council, wishing to protect and assist local residents, has secured this gate with padlocks; notes further that North West Water as the landowners can permit, and seem determined to permit, vehicular use over the land despite its designation as a field footpath and bridleway; is concerned for the safety and amenities of elderly people, children and others who have been accustomed to safe use of Debdale Lane, a position that has prevailed for at least 70 years; calls upon North West Water to maintain Debdale Lane as a non-vehicular footpath and bridleway; and is concerned that there seems to be no amenity in the Gorton area which North West Water is not prepared to mar or destroy.

This motion has been signed by a total of 28 MPs.