The status of a narrow lane in Cullompton will not change for at least three years, a spokesman for Devon County Council said.

Parts of Shortlands Lane have been listed as a bridleway by the authority and a highway law expert has drawn up a report stating why it should be improved and adequately maintained as a public road, so vehicles and pedestrians can share the single-lane thoroughfare legally.

The council said no changes will be made until the evidence has been examined but is not likely to be dealt with until a parish review for Cullompton begins in around three years.

A Devon County Council spokesman said: “We have a large number of claims relating to rights of way awaiting determination.

“The issues at Shortlands Lane are not unusual and no one is being prevented from using the route on foot, horse or in a vehicle, so the matter does not warrant being dealt with ahead of the current ongoing parish review.”