A HORSE rider has set up a petition to create a new off-road route for equestrians in Bury.

Leonara Fleming regularly users highways and byways around Unsworth and Hollins.

But she has found riding conditions increasingly difficult, in the modern driving climate.

Now she is campaigning to garner some support to convert a footpath from Aviation Road to Church Meadow for mixed usage.

She said: "Traffic numbers have increased over the last few years and will continue to do so.

"While horses can be safe on the road they are unpredictable animals and accidents do happen.

"Many drivers are not aware of how to drive past a horse - the BHS (British Horse Society) guidance states you should pass a horse at a maximum of 15 mph, whether you are over taking or coming towards a horse. A high percentage of drivers are not aware of this."

She says the footpath would create a "safe place" for riders, which they could share with mountain bikers and walkers.

Leonara has been lobbying Bury Council and has written to the borough's MPs, as well as trying to contact land owner Viridor, without success to date.