CONCERNS over whether access to the Loop Road near Okehampton Camp could be eventually denied to the public have led to a petition being set up by walkers and other moor users who want it kept open.

The organisers have even sent a letter of protest to Prince Charles, as the road belongs to the Duchy of Cornwall. The petition had attracted more than 350 signatures as the Times went to press yesterday (Wednesday).

The Duchy has put forward proposals over the future management of the 5km stone track. The deterioration of the Loop Road means several sections are no longer suitable for ordinary cars and it would take more than £500,000 to repair and require ongoing maintenance.

As the Army uses the area for military training, the Duchy is hoping the Ministry of Defence will maintain the tarmac surface on part of the road. It also wants to improve car parking and other parts for civilian access on 'a permissive basis'.

But concerns over the changes have sparked fears that it will lead to the public being denied access to the area.

An online petition created by 'Dartmoor Users', objecting to closure and addressed to the Dartmoor National Park Authority, has been set up. It is http://www.petitiononline.com/ringroad/petition.html">www.petitiononline.com/ringroad/petition.html

The petition says closure would stop the general public from enjoying the remoteness of the North Moor.

It adds: 'Whilst we do agree that the state of the Loop Road has become very dangerous, we would like to propose that the Duchy of Cornwall, DNPA and the Army get together and repair the east side (OP22 to OP15) in order that the less able can continue to enjoy the special qualities of the middle of the North Moor.'

Maureen Sowerby, one of the co-founders of the petition, said it was set up on behalf of a large group of walkers.

She said: 'It will be a very sad day indeed if this gets pushed through.

'There are a lot of elderly and infirm folk who use the road to get out to OP15 to enjoy the views and the remoteness and feel better for it. It's not as if the road is overrun with vehicles. However, the Army will still be able to use it, which is double standards.

'This road is an important safety link to the inner moor, especially for Ten Tors and Duke of Edinburgh Award training. It saves time and possibly lives by allowing trainers to reach any emergency quickly.

'If the road closes then there will also be people attempting longer walks to get to the remote parts of the moor and as an unfortunate consequence of that, there may well be an increase in rescues required.

'It would be a terrible tragedy if lives are lost because walkers attempt a journey that is too far for their ability, purely because they couldn't travel out on the ring road.'

One of those supporting the petition is Jill Bozier from Sourton, a frequent user of the moor.

'It is always busy, especially at weekends with people walking, cycling, horse riding, flying kites, bird-watching, or just enjoying the wild open spaces and quiet beauty of the outdoors. 

'The cost of repair to the road should absolutely be paid for by MoD as they are the ones who use traffic over it and cause the pot-holes.'

She said the public only cycled or walked on the track but did not drive jeeps or tanks over it.

'Why can't it be left to decline? We can still mountain bike over it and walk it. The MoD are the ones who need vehicle access ... if they stop "Joe Public" using it does that mean they will no longer use it either and no longer need to repair it, even for their own use?'

There was also concern for the effect it may have on tourism in the area if access is denied.

Tony Hill, of Winkleigh, who has been using the road for 50 years, said: 'What is of great interest is that the vast majority of people who have signed the online petition do not live in or near Okehampton.

'If the Loop Road is closed (probably) in 2009) as proposed then all those people may well not come to Okehampton or this part of the moor thus depriving Okehampton shops, traders and businesses of much needed revenue.

He called for Okehampton traders and its town council to take up the Loop Road proposals with the Duchy, the DNPA and the MOD.

Dartmoor National Park Authority said proposals for future management of the Loop Road were those of the owner, the Duchy of Cornwall, and that the authority was merely a consultee. But in principle, it supports the Duchy's proposals.

John Weir, a spokesman for the DNPA, said the current proposals would still allow car drivers and passengers to drive over the moor.

'Dartmoor National Park Authority's position is that in principle these proposals are a pragmatic way to resolve the current situation. They will protect the high moor experience for car drivers, improve recreational experience for non-car users, increase the remoteness and tranquillity of the highest areas of Dartmoor and are likely to be economically sustainable in future years.'

Hannah Howard, a spokesperson for the Duchy, tsaid: 'The Duchy of Cornwall, in conjunction with a number of other local organisations, has long supported the reversion of the Loop Road to its natural, stone surface.

'The condition of the subject section is now extremely poor and, in accordance with existing policy of visual intrusion and safety, it is intended that part of the road will be closed to civilian vehicles.'

She added that the present proposals are only to ban civilian vehicles from the Loop Road on grounds of safety.