A SHORT section of bridleway which leads into a river at Marshwood is likely to be struck off the county’s definitive map.

Dorset Council’s area planning committee agreed to the move after being told that a section of Bridleway 43 at Prime Coppice, south of the village, ended on the river bank because there is no longer a bridge to cross.

Councillors were told that a private bridge and ford to the east of the section were washed away in 2011 following a storm with engineers deciding it was not feasible to build a suitable replacement.

A diversion, of 65 metres, has been agreed a short distance away using Bridleway 44 and Bridleway 76, Marshwood and Glebeland Lane, south west across the river.

Just one objection was made to the proposed changes. He questioned the accuracy of the definitive map and also raised issues about the definitive line of a section of Bridleway 43, Marshwood at Prime Farm and the northern end of Bridleway 42, Marshwood, and the obstruction of Bridleway 42, Marshwood.

Council officers say the map is accurate and the other matters are not relevant to the proposed changes, but could be raised with the council’s definitive map team or the authority’s greenspace management team.

No other objections were received, including from the British Horse Society and The Ramblers who raised no objection to the proposed extinguishment. The relevant landowners supported the proposed changes.

The council will now make an order for the extinguishment and if no objections are received it will be confirmed. If further objections are received the order will have to be submitted to the Secretary of State for a decision.