A 16-YEAR battle over a bridleway on Prince Charles' new estate has taken another twist with the news that the Planning Inspectorate has removed a Carmarthenshire Council-imposed diversion order.

The decision was taken by planning inspector Barney Grimshaw after a public inquiry was held in Llandovery in January.

The final judgement was made after Mr Grimshaw decided the diversion route put in place by the council's public rights of way officer Bruce Wallace was more dangerous for horse riders than the bridleway.

He said: "Although this proposed diversion meets most of the criteria set out in the 1980 Act, it is my view that the proposed new point of termination of the bridleway would be less convenient for horse riders."

Two witnesses who appeared at the inquiry were experienced horse riders, who had both served in the mounted branches of different police forces, regarded the route imposed by the council as being significantly more dangerous for riders than the original bridleway.

"It would necessitate the majority of them travelling along a dangerous section of the Llandovery to Myddfai road," added Mr Grimshaw.

"In these circumstances, it would not be appropriate for the order to be confirmed," he concluded.

Mike Whitby, who funded this second public inquiry, was understandably elated but shocked that the order was not confirmed on just one issue.

"It seems that the inspector has rejected all the points raised by Mr Carr (of the British Horse Society) and Mr Kind (who acted for Mr Whitby) with the exception of the horse riders' view that the proposed route is unsafe."

Carmarthenshire Council, who made the diversion order on January 20, 2005, refused to comment.