PARTS of a major North Somerset landmark could soon be taken over so it can be protected from people using it illegally. Parish councillors say woodland areas of Cadbury Hill, which stands between Yatton, Congresbury and Cleeve, are slowly being destroyed

PARTS of a major North Somerset landmark could soon be taken over so it can be protected from people using it illegally.Parish councillors say woodland areas of Cadbury Hill, which stands between Yatton, Congresbury and Cleeve, are slowly being destroyed by motorcyclists and horse riders.Motorcycles, which crush young trees, are already banned from the area.Yatton Parish Council wants to take control of parts of the hill so it can think of ways to stop illegal users and safeguard its future. The authority already controls an area of the hill, which is owned by North Somerset Council, but councillors have taken over a lease for other areas including the woodland areas surrounding the hill and a small meadow.Parish councillor Faith Moulin said: "Originally we wanted to take on the new leases from North Somerset jointly with Congresbury Parish Council because the hill crosses the boundary between the two villages."But Congresbury has decided it doesn't want to be involved so we are going to go it alone."We want to safeguard its future for the community. It is a nature reserve and we are hoping to get some grant funding so we can employ a project officer who would come up with ideas for ways it could be improved."We envisage improving access and putting up signs guiding people around the site and informing them of local history."One of the issues we will be looking to the resolve is stopping motorcyclists and horse riders using it when they shouldn't be."Unfortunately the woodland is slowly being destroyed by people using it incorrectly."I believe the lease would be given to us for 99 years on a peppercorn rent.