Campaigners oppose off-roading in the Lake District – and are raising money for a legal battle.

Campaigners are launching a legal challenge to the Lake District National Park Authority’s decision NOT to ban off-roaders from farm tracks on hills between Little Langdale and High Tilberthwaite.

The recent developments follow a long campaign to get 4x4s and trail bikes banned from the tracks – as a result of noise, damage and conflict with walkers and cyclists.

A 350,000-stong petition called on the park authority to issue a traffic regulation order restricting access – but a lobbying effort led by the Motoring Organisations’ Land Access and Recreation Association resulted in the national park deciding to continue allowing recreational multipurpose vehicles.

But now, the Green Lanes Environmental Action Movement (GLEAM) is seeking a judicial review of the national park’s decision not to issue an order – which it describes as “an attack on the beauty and tranquillity of one of the loveliest places in this world heritage site”.

Back in October, the National Trust also stated their opposition to the authority’s decision – with a spokesperson saying: “We believe that MPV use is damaging and should be regulated by a traffic regulation order at Tilberthwaite and High Oxen Fell.”

Through crowdfunding, the campaigners have raised £24,310 to cover the cost of a judicial review – in hope they’ll be able to overturn the decision of the Lake District National Park.

Speaking about the latest developments, a representative for the national park said: “I can confirm that we have received a letter before action detailing proposed judicial review proceedings against the authority in respect of its decision made by the rights of way committee on 8 October 2019.”