The Open Spaces Society (OSS) has pledged to continue fighting against the decision to allow a landowner to build a riding area on the path leading to the iconic Poohsticks Bridge in the Ashdown Forest.

The bridge was made famous by AA Milne’s children’s book Winnie the Pooh, where the bear and Christopher Robin played in the House at Pooh Corner, has had its path disrupted by the owners of a riding school from nearby Faircote Hall.

Members of the club have been granted retrospective permission by the local authority, Wealden District Council, to build a sandschool across the path.

However, this ruling has been met with sadness by the OSS, which has said the path, which is in an official area of outstanding natural beauty, should be returned to its previous state.

Kate Ashbrook, OSS general secretary, said: "We are dismayed at this decision. The sandschool was built across the public footpath, illegally blocking it."