A RESIDENT has slammed County Hall's decision to close a footpath that has been 'open for generations’.

Lancashire County Council has made an order to temporarily close a footpath bridged between Pendle Road and Worston Road in Clitheroe.

The footpath will be closed for at least six months while housing developer Taylor Wimpey Manchester carries out works to build new houses.

Clitheroe resident Pam Kent, who has walked her dogs across the footpath's fields for 45 years, is up in arms about the footpath closure.

She said: “I have discovered that a developer has been granted planning permission to close this footpath, which has been open for generations.

“The planners have not told the residents about this and they should have.

“The builders haven't put up any notices at the entrance. They simply are not there!

“I'm worried that residents on the drive may have to live with this metal gate fencing for months.

“Ribble Valley Council are telling us to keep our dogs on leads but now Lancashire County Council are closing our footpaths.

“It means a lot to my family. My husband, who is now 64, used to run the footpath course when he was at Ribblesdale High School.

“Now we have to walk around to a different footpath on Pendle Road which is very narrow.

"It's also very dangerous because you have to walk beside traffic travelling at speeds of 40 mph."

A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said: “The path is being closed so that a housing developer can build new homes close by.

“The path will close on 14 September for up to six months, depending on how long it takes the developer to complete the work.

“People’s safety is our main concern and we cannot keep the path open, as the building work and equipment would cause a danger to people using it.

A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey said: "Due to drainage works associated with the development, the public right of way through the development will be closed for approximately six months.

"The footpath has been closed as agreed by Lancashire County Council; to ensure the works are carried out swiftly and safely.

"An alternative route is available along Pendle Road and Worston Old Road.”