THE decisison by the Duchy of Cornwall to go ahead with controversial plans for the 'Loop Road' near Okehampton Camp has been met with 'much disappointment' by regular moor users who have campaigned against the proposals.

The Ministry of Defence, which uses the area for military training, put down the five kilometre stone track in 1956 and the public has had access to it and been able to drive cars at time of non-firing.

But deterioration of the road posed a risk to the safety of the public and the Duchy, which owns the land, decided to implement changes to its management.

On April 15 a meeting of the Duchy to discuss details and 'alternative options' decided to opt for its original proposals.

The Duchy said in making its decision it 'had sought to strike a balance between addressing the appropriate long term management of the road and the provision of continued access for civilian motor vehicles to park'.

But Maureen Sowerby, organiser of online petition http://www.petitiononline.com/ringroad/petition.html">www.petitiononline.com/ringroad/petition.html, which has attracted more than 600 signatures, said she was very disappointed by the decision.

She said: 'I have received a letter from the land steward which says basically that the Duchy have not deviated from their original proposals, despite responses from other organisations, including the on-line petition. 

'I am very disappointed in this lack of understanding on the Duchy's part of the needs for the general public to have part of the road repaired, in order to continue access for the less able walker/user.

'As I have found in connection with other matters, authorities make decisions before they consult the public and it makes no difference what the public have to say.'

Mrs Sowerby said the decision would mean that many people would never go to Cranmere Pool or the inner part of the north moor again because Row Tor/OP22 to Cranmere was probably six miles each way.

She claims that the Duchy and Dartmoor National Park Authority are 'discriminating. towards the less able members of the public'.

'I was up on Belstone Tor last weekend in beautiful sunshine and walked towards Oke Tor to watch the Ten Tors teams coming home. 

'I looked over to Steeperton Tor with Hound Tor behind and in the distance Wild Tor and Hangingstone Hill. 

'It was with great sadness that I realised that because of their decision, at the end of this summer I and many others of my age would never be able to visit those tors again.'

Tom Stratton, land steward for the Duchy, said: 'Having reflected on the views put forward, we have taken the decision to close the Loop Road to civilian motor vehicles in part only (at Observation Post 22 (OP22) on the east side and at the existing barrier north of New Bridge on the west.

'This follows the implementation of a policy of "managed decline" discussed publicly in the 1980s which seeks to allow the continued reversion of the existing tarmac surface to more natural stone, whilst also lessening the visual intrusion and loss of tranquillity caused by motor vehicles within this remote area of Dartmoor and enhancing the recreational experience of non-car users.'

Walkers, horse riders, cyclists and those using off-road disabled vehicles will continue to have access to the road's full length on a permissive basis, subject to existing MoD live firing restrictions.

'Access for commoners, National Park, MoD and emergency service vehicles will be available at all times and furthermore, access will be granted to the closed sections on a case by case basis for events such as Ten Tors/Jubilee Challenge.'

He said 'sympathetic minor improvements' would be made to the existing car parking areas at the Sand Pits and Cullever Steps to make the passage of vehicles safer.

'We have received several comments of support in relation to the implementation of the proposals and we trust that those individuals who are not in favour will be understanding of the reasoning behind what we are striving to achieve in relation to the appropriate long term management of this area of Dartmoor.'

But Mrs Sowerby said: 'I have been assured by many who have signed the petition that the protest will continue to try and stop this unfair closure.

'I just hope the Okehampton residents  and the other organisations who sent in proposals for consultation will keep fighting.'