A pub and residents living off a potholed unmade track are going to be asked to help fund its upkeep.

Borough councillors last night agreed that the council should seek contributions from users of a track running along the edge of Banstead Heath in Walton-on-the-Hill.

More than 400 people had signed a petition calling on Reigate and Banstead Council to properly maintain the track, known as Withybed Corner, which leads to The Bell pub.

But the council said Surrey County Council is only responsible for maintaining the common land track as a footpath, not as a route for vehicles.

The track is currently used by pub customers and delivery vans as well as the borough council’s refuse vehicles and residents living there.

Last night the executive of the borough council agreed that officers should contact residents, the pub, county council and Banstead Common Conservators to agree contributions.

Deputy council leader Councillor Victor Broad, who represents Tadworth and Walton, said: "It was put forward that we should get contributions from all the people using the track.

"If people want the track to be maintained then let’s all pitch in and contribute."