Farmers near Glyn Ceiriog are calling on people using unadopted roads in the hills around the area to be more considerate to avoid damaging the countryside.

Hills in the Llanarmon DC area of the Ceiriog Valley are recognised as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) which farmers are given grants to maintain.

However, people deviating from some damaged unadopted roads to cross the tops via routes which are not designated off-road tracks are at risk of damaging the preserved land.

The tops are meant to hold water to prevent flooding adverse effects on the water in the River Ceiriog. However, damage to the tops can have a negative effect on this.

Wrexham County Borough councillor for Glyn Ceiriog, Trevor Bates, said: “Lack of maintenance has resulted in huge ruts which act as drains which funnel surface water off the mountain at an accelerated speed.

“This can reduce the quality of water in the River Ceiriog and adding to flood problems further downstream.

“Those using the tracks are having to deviate from the original track in places and are damaging the adjoining land as a result.

“The poor condition of the road surface hampers the farmers in management of their land and stock.”

The state of the track makes access on foot, on horseback or by cycle impossible.

Officers from Wrexham County Borough Council were taken to see the problems first hand and a report will include repair estimates and a way forward.