PARIS — Selectmen voted unanimously Monday to allow ATV riders to use Parsons Road and a portion of East Oxford Road for the month of June.

The allowance was the town’s first use of its non-standard use policy for public property and roads, a policy drafted partially in response to the ATV issue after selectmen granted, then rescinded, ATV access to those two roads.

The board agreed to allow ATV use on the roads from June 1 to July 1 while club trailmaster John Goodwin and others work on an alternate route that would avoid the homes of residents bothered by ATV noise. The special allowance would let ATV season begin as usual with full access to the trail loop and the Oxford ATV club’s trails.

The meeting began with a public hearing on the matter. No one spoke against allowing ATV access.

James and Paula Hakala, a Parsons Road couple who had been opposed to ATV use on the road, have been agreeable to a temporary allowance because, in the long run, it will let ATV riders use their trail system while avoiding their home.

James Hakala said he was assured by Goodwin and Paris police Chief David Verrier that if there was any lawbreaking or speeding by ATV riders on his road that it would be handled immediately.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Ray Glover said it was possible that the club would need the first two weeks of July to finish the trail. He said the board would vote on whether to extend use of East Oxford and Parsons roads at a later date.

Goodwin said a request for an extension was a possibility, as the rainy weather has slowed the club’s work.

treaves@sunjournal.com

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