THE Government is to have the final say over the proposed closure of a series of footpaths near a historic Ribble Valley hall.

Oxendale Hall, at Osbaldeston, is owned by Jersey property and investment company Belmore Holdings, which wants to divert four footpaths running through the grounds of the 17th century manor house.

The diversion of the footpaths was given the go-ahead by Ribble Valley councillors last June.

But the proposed diversions hit a legal snag and now the company wants to delete the footpaths altogether, replacing them with one footpath that does not pass as close to the property.

Ribble Valley councillors gave the revised scheme the thumbs-up in February and the matter went to public consultation.

But councillors were told Clayton-le-Dale Parish Council still objected, on the grounds that the proposed alternative route was not as convenient or attractive.

The matter will now be referred to the Secretary of State for determination.