IT IS an issue so controversial, police once had to be called to keep order at a public meeting where it was discussed.

But the controversy surrounding the notorious Wells Walk footpath in Pickering may finally be settled, after the start of legal moves to sort the matter out once and for all.

The deadlock has split public opinion in Pickering. The path has never formally been designated a public right of way, and the land owner has said it should stay that way.

But dozens of residents have said they have used the route on foot. Some 147 statements of evidence were given supporting the use of Wells Walk and the continuation of the route to Newbridge.

Contrary evidence was given that gates were closed on December 3 each year in an attempt by the previous tenant, on behalf of the landowner, to prevent the route becoming a public right of way.

North Yorkshire County Council eventually stepped in to try and sort out the controversy.

As a result, the authority is now in the process of making a formal order to make Wells Walk a "byway open to all traffic".

Gordon Gresty, corporate director of business and environmental services at the county council, said: "The definitive map modification order to record a byway open to all traffic, along Wells Walk, from Bridge Street to the level crossing near Undercliffe has been drafted and has been forwarded to Legal Services to be made."

The formal notice will be placed on site, launching a six-week period of public consultation.

However, if even a single objection is made to the proposal - which seems inevitable - the process could be delayed by months at a lengthy Government inquiry.

Mr Gresty said: "If objections are made to the order, (councillors) have previously authorised the referral of the order together with any objections to the Secretary of State for consideration."

In September 2005 about 300 Pickering residents packed into the Memorial Hall in the town to discuss the issue.

A police spokesman later described the meeting as "a very heated affair", and said officers had attended to keep the peace.

The issue will be discussed by councillors at a meeting at Malton Rugby Club at 10.30am on Wednesday.