PROBLEMS of noise and disturbance caused to Horton-in-Ribblesdale residents by organised walking groups taking the Three Peaks Challenge have stirred Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith into action.

Mr Smith has written to the chief executive of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, David Butterworth, and says he is making representations on behalf of a number constituents following concerns.

Last month the Craven Herald highlighted problems villagers were faced with on a regular basis by large groups of people taking part in the 24-mile walk, usually linked to a charity event.

Residents said they were disturbed by noise at all times of the day and night through revellers on their way back from the hills, through cars collecting walkers from outside the station, and through loudhailers being used on the playing fields car park.

Bryan and Hilary Bowman, who live near the station, described the situation as often being like “hell” with thousands of walkers passing their door each year, some stopping to urinate nearby and others verbally abusing them when they ask them not to park on private land.

The parish council has written on two occasions to the British Heart Foundation whose organised charity walks prompted complaints of noise from residents two years running.

The national park authority says it is developing a code of conduct asking Three Peaks participants to respect those living along the route.

Andrew Blackburn, clerk of Horton-in-Ribblesdale Parish Council said: “We are awaiting the code of conduct that Kate Hilditch of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is putting together, ratifying with the YDNPA, then hopefully the Three Peaks Working Group and the parish council will accept the new code and we can inform all participating organisations and groups of what is expected/accepted practise.”

Walking guide publishers Skyware Press, of Saltaire, has had concern of noise nuisance to residents for some time.

Their latest publication is a guide map, costing £1.99, of the challenge route with suggestions to ensure the journey is safe and doesn’t disturb local people.

“Chris Grogan, of Skyware Ltd said: “This little guide is designed to help walkers get the most from their adventure, to find their way easily and safely around the route.

“It is also designed to help address a number of concerns that the rising popularity of the challenge route has raised, with fell rescue services, local residents and the national park authority.

“Our latest publication is a map of the challenge route that urges walkers to have consideration if they start and finish their walk in Horton-in-Ribblesdale but also to consider using the train and maybe starting at Ribblehead.

“We work closely with the National Park and donate to their Three Peaks Project from sales of the map.”

Mr Grogan says as a guide publisher they want people to enjoy the walks but has concerns of some people setting off ill equipped with incorrect clothing or footwear and no spare kit or food.

This can result in the need for rescue by fell and cave rescue organisations.