A FIERCE row has erupted between a group using off-road vehicles down ancient country lanes and residents who say they are causing damage to plants.

Members of the Green Lane Association (GLASS) have been using the ancient highways Guises Lane and Rosses Lane, both in the Wichenford parish, near Worcester, for the past three or four months to drive their 4x4 vehicles.

Concerns from residents were raised at a public meeting last week following complaints from residents and parish councillors about off-road driving.

Then on Thursday evening, the two sides clashed as GLASS members drove down one of the lanes while several villagers were inspecting them.

"I'm appalled at their attitude," said Heather Rendall, footpaths officer for Kenswick and Wichenford Parish Council.

"They say that what they are doing is letting the light in but they have killed off the natural plants there and what has grown back is nettles.

"They have carved their way through what was a lane that was forgotten."

But GLASS has hit back at the allegations, disputing claims they have caused damage and arguing that the lanes are roads and not footpaths and legally open to all traffic.

They also argue that their occasional use of the lanes once a month keeps them open and available for other uses and lets light in, allowing flora to flourish.

GLASS member Peter Browning, of Livingstone Street, off the London Road in Worcester, said the association's use of the lanes enabled them to transport disabled people so they could enjoy the countryside, where otherwise they might not be able to.

"Many lanes that had fallen into total disuse and become overgrown have been rescued and cleared purely by the voluntary hard work of GLASS members, for the enjoyment of all," he said.

"We never drive these lanes if there is any risk of damage and, in our experience, the vast majority of damage on these lanes is caused by local agricultural traffic, tractors and the like.

"We are also always very courteous to other users and cause no risk to them."

The parish council is now compiling evidence to submit traffic regulation orders to the highways authority to prohibit vehicles using the lanes.