As part of a drive to open up the 200km rights of way network, the council has taken positive action to clear a footpath in Wheldrake which was blocked by crops.

Officers from the council's public rights of way unit, accompanied by contractors and the police, moved onto the land yesterday (15 July) to clear the path. The cost of the works will be recovered from the farmer, who refused to co-operate with the team.

Peter Evely, the council's head of network management, said: "The public rights of way unit has been working with local farmers to ensure that paths are not obstructed by crops. I am pleased to say that in the majority of cases we have received co-operation, with most paths being cleared within 14 days of our first request. The local farming community should be commended for its support and efforts to keep the right of way network open.

"Unfortunately, this farmer has committed a criminal offence because he refused to co-operate and will face a sizeable bill for the clearance work. Under these circumstances the law requires that we take action, and that is exactly what we have done."