* From left, Liz Hughes, Rheinallt Hughes, Mike Crawshaw, Llyr Gruffydd MS, Councillor Trevor Bates, Glyn Jones and Alan Gardner from Agrisgôp Leader.
Farmers in the Ceiriog Valley have met with Plaid Cymru's North Wales MS Llyr Gruffydd to make their case for action to prevent off-roaders, who they say often turn up in gangs with uninsured and untaxed vehicles, from using green lanes into the Berwyn range.
Mr Gruffydd says the problem also affects a countryside area of Llangollen.
The farmers met the MS on the Wayfarers track going from Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog over to Llandrillo near Corwen, an old drovers' track that has become impassable over the years due to neglect and damage caused by the off-roaders.
Llyr Gruffydd said: "Farmers are at their wits' end in dealing with some off-roaders who are abusive, violent and confrontational. The farmers are trying to go about their work and earn a living while off-roaders damage property, frighten livestock and leave gates unclosed.
"The green lanes that the off-roaders favour are becoming more damaged with overuse and a variety of agencies - including the Welsh Government - seem unable or unwilling to act.
"I was glad to be listen to the situation first-hand, as I have with farmers on the other side of the Berwyn range in the Llandrillo and Cynwyd area.
"There have also been problems in the Llangollen area, notably Allt y Badi.
"This is not an isolated problem of course - it affects many parts of Wales and that's why I think we need a more joined-up approach to resolving it for the benefit of local residents and responsible users of these important pathways and lanes.
"The police have a role here and I was glad to hear compliments about former Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones who had taken an interest in this matter.
"The new PCC needs to follow up on that and the police have a part to play in stamping out criminality. Other agencies including the local council, Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales as well as landowners and those seeking to use these routes for their leisure also need to come together.
"The problem in the past is that no one organisation has taken responsibility or ownership of the issue.
"Given the extent of the problem, that neglect from the various authorities can't continue."
Also in attendance at the meeting was local councillor Trevor Bates and Alan Gardner, who has been supporting a group of local farmers to face the challenges and develop solutions through Farming Connect’s Agrisgôp programme, delivered by Menter a Busnes on behalf of the Welsh Government.
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