HORSE riders and cyclists are to be banned from a tree plantation at Lever Park, Rivington, which was designed to be a haven of peace and quiet.

The Pinetum, a plantation dedicated to the memory of departed loved ones, was set up six years ago by colleagues of Alan Payne, who worked at the North West Water Rivington treatment works on the Horwich/Chorley border. It was to be a permanent and lasting memorial to Alan who died of cancer.

Bylaws dating to the creation of the park by Lord Leverhulme restrict access to areas such as the Pinetum to pedestrians only and now North West Water are to fence off a 300 metres stretch of the plantation after concerns about the numbers of horse riders and cyclists using it.

Dave Blount, NWW's principal woodland officer, said: "We are hoping that the new measures being introduced will be observed.

"Many people who go there want to enjoy peace and quiet and reflect on the life of a loved one. We are asking for the co-operation of everyone to make sure that those moments of reflection are not spoilt."

The Pinetum was started with the planting of 30 giant redwood trees and has since grown to around 200 trees, mainly conifers, as members of the public have asked if they could plant a tree in memory of someone they lost.

Mr Boult said it was now full and fully subscribed over a year in advance.

He added: "We would urge people not to put their names forward because they will only be disappointed."