A DECISION on whether to designate a Poole bridleway, which people fear could become a “hideout for drug abuse”, has been deferred.

Dozens of people signed a petition opposing plans to formally recognise the route between James Road and Sheringham Road, warning it could increase anti-social behaviour in the area.

But BCP Council rights of way officer Zak Cusens had recommended it be designated after finding it included in Ordnance Survey maps from as far back as the 1930s.

A final decision had been due to be made by cabinet members at a meeting on Wednesday but they agreed to defer a move to a yet-to-be-formed transportation committee.

The request for the formal adoption of the path was requested after one end was fenced off by Sheringham Road resident Michael Atherton in 2017.

Six people wrote to the council opposing the move although 10 people submitted letters in support of it.

Speaking at Wednesday’s meeting, Mr Atherton said the move was part of an ongoing dispute between him and a neighbour over where their properties’ boundaries fall.

Presenting a 54-signature petition to the cabinet calling for the application to be rejected, he said:  “There’s insufficient evidence to prove that the public have been using this path.

“I spoke to the Ramblers’ Association and it said it would usually welcome new footpaths but they said they did not see the route as practical.”

Other neighbours said the path was “wholly unnecessary”.

In a written statement, Sandy Jennings said: “This would be opening up an escape route while giving no benefit whatsoever.

“It would be a hideout for drug abuse and alcohol and will be used as a rat run for scooters and bikes.”

Despite the opposition, Mr Cusens had recommended the council recognise the route formally as a bridleway.

“It was brought to BCP officer attention through an application made by a member of public that such rights have arisen at the path between James Road and Sheringham Road,” his report said.

“The path appears on historic maps from 1931 onwards and is labelled as a footpath since 1941.

“However, in 2017 the path was fenced off from the Sheringham Road end.”

Councillors deferred a decision to a new committee focused on investigating traffic and highways issues, although it has yet to be formed.

But council leader Vikki Slade said the new group would be able to take a more in-depth look at the issue.