A CAMPAIGN calling for a footpath from Poundbury in Dorchester to Maiden Castle has won support from West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin.

Walkers and cyclists want the Duchy of Cornwall to create more footpaths across farmland as part of its planning application for the final stages of the Poundbury development.

Campaigners want to see a two-mile private track that runs from Poundbury, under the A35 bypass and crosses fields to link with the existing Maiden Castle to Monkeys Jump bridleway to be adopted as a public right of way.

They argue it would encourage residents to leave their cars at home when visiting the historic site, and that not creating it would be against adopted planning document, the Poundbury Development Brief.

Mr Letwin is the latest name to pledge support for the new access.

In a letter to West Dorset District Council he said: "I hope that the district council may be willing to stipulate as a condition of the planning permission for the next phases of Poundbury that this particular route should be included as a right of way in accordance with the Poundbury Development Brief."

The MP's support has been welcomed by campaigner Dave Green, of Maiden Castle Road. He is a local countryside secretary for The Ramblers and a committee member of South Dorset Ramblers, which is leading the campaign.

Mr Green said: "We are absolutely delighted to have Oliver Letwin's weight added to this campaign. I think it adds kudos and it adds to the support from other groups.

"It would be extraordinary if the council refused this request. If this happened The Ramblers would certainly seek help from the national office to consider any legal action."

He wants it to be created as part of a planning application for phases three and four of the Poundbury development.

However, not everyone is for the route. John Hoskin who farms the land has previously claimed his livestock will suffer and rare wildlife will be destroyed if walkers and cyclists are given more access.

Planning documents submitted by the Duchy agree a right of way could have a serious effect on Mr Hoskin's farming practices.

Instead it proposes a route to the north of the castle – providing access to the castle from Maiden Castle Road.

However Mr Green said that option was dangerous because it would force people to cross the A35.

"The north footpath is circuitous and unsuitable for cyclists and the disabled. It runs across a field which is frequently ploughed.

"Maiden Castle Road is a very narrow, poorly maintained single track with only one proper passing place along its entire length outside the bypass."

No date has yet been set for the district council committee to discuss the application.