A ROW between walkers and model boat enthusiasts looks to have been settled.

Walkers and nearby residents thought decades long access to Larkfield Dam and Billing at Rawdon was to be stopped after fences went up.

But following a meeting last week between around 20 owners, residents and councillors, a compromise could have been reached.

A formalised right of way is to be established around the dam and a group set up to look after the interests of the area.

New owners, the Leeds and Bradford Boat Club, which has leased the land for almost 80 years, put up fences to stop cattle from a neighbouring farm from wandering onto their land.

But although they put up stiles across the new fence, walkers and residents feared it would mean access to the well used dam would be restricted.

Councillor Clive Fox, (Con, Otley and Wharfedale), chairman of Otley and Wharfedale CIT, said he believed it was a positive meeting which could mean the end of any disagreements between all the users of the dam.

So far, more than 30 people have submitted written claims to Coun Fox stating that they have walked the area for more than 20 years and have always had access to the edge of the dam.

"Most people favour a route that hugs the tarn itself. I have explained to the club that assuming the right of way is established it will determine the route," said Coun Fox.

Landowners, including a representative of the Rawdon Trust, said at the meeting that trespass in the area had been a problem for 40 years with fences regularly pulled down.

It was also pointed out that a fence was necessary to stop cattle from getting onto the boat club land and to stop dogs fouling pasture meant for silage.

Coun Fox said: "The club has assured me that the fencing is required because the neighbouring farmer wants to graze his cattle, but it will not be along the tarn side, which sparked the whole issue off, but in the vicinity of the boat club."

He added that he would like to see a voluntary organisation set up to look after the area.

"It could be made up of club members, walkers and the farmer and could gain access to funding which could be used to ask people to stick to the footpaths."

After the meeting, resident Jon Young, of Larkfield Road, said it was agreed that the boat club and residents should come to an agreement.

"We thought it was best to work together and sort something out. we should be able to reach some sort of understanding."

He added: "There is a possibility of setting up a group and getting access to funding. The statutory process is continuing at the moment, but if we are able to reach a compromise with the boat club we will be happy to do that."

Paul Atkinson, spokesman for the Leeds and Bradford Model Boat Club, believed progress would now be made.

"We've always got on very well with our neighbours. The problems we have had is not with the ramblers, but with the dog walkers. A lot of them don't take their dog's dirt home with them.

"They think because it's a farmers field, it doesn't matter, but it does do harm. We're not trying to stop them from coming onto our land, we just trying to make them know where the path is."

M Atkinson said the club planned to write to residents and he hoped all groups would be able to co-operate.

But he stressed security at the club would be stepped up in a bid to deter vandalism.

"If we catch the vandals red handed on the CCTV, the police have already said they will prosecute."