But a set of law-abiding motorcyclists have restarted a debate last associated with illegal raves, drinking and drug abuse.

Dick's Lane, a green lane across fields between Lapworth and Rowington has been closed to traffic since illegal parties led to moves to end access to vehicles eight years ago.

But since the National Trail Riders' Fellowship has written to Warwickshire County Council asking for the ban on motorcycles to be lifted, more than 20 residents have written to the council warning of the danger to walkers and animals, damage to the track, noise and the effect on property prices.

The unsurfaced track runs for around 1km from Lapworth Street to the iron Dick's Lane Bridge over the Stratford Canal. Lapworth parish council chairman Margaret Francis believes allowing motorcycles will jeopardise horse riders and pedestrians using the lane.

She said: "The trail riders pride themselves on their courtesy to horse riders but their numbers are few compared to the numbers of ordinary bikers.

"People come to Lapworth for a pleasant walk. We need to protect one of the few roads where you can walk in peace without any traffic."

And Rowington parish council chairman Graham Bull believes the trail riders will fail after a judge ruled against them in a similar case in Hampshire last week.

But the fellowship's West Midlands group secretary Robin Hickin compared their work with that of the Ramblers Association's campaign to protect footpaths, and said many people's objections were built on "innuendo, local legend and misinformation".

He insisted the green lane was still a right of way for vehicles, and that access had only been suspended. The 50-year-old management consultant stressed that most of his members were from rural Warwickshire, and would support speed limits on the track to promote responsible riding.

He said: "There is no justification for the current traffic regulation to ban motorcycles. It is a public right of way with vehicle rights. If people are abusing those rights that is another issue."