A LONG-awaited footpath at a controversial housing development will be completed this week.

Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson revealed the news after local councillor Patrick McGinley wrote to him about residents' concerns.

Detailed planning permission for 217 homes on Lyndon playing fields in Great Harwood was granted in June 2017 despite more than 1,150 residents signing a petition against it.

Part of the consent was a footpath across the new housing estate.

Overton ward Tory Cllr McGinley told Cllr Parkinson: “I have been prompted to contact you all as I have been getting constituent complaints about the footpath not yet being constructed.

“What has spurred people to contact me is the work done recently at the bottom gate road access.

“We are are now in the third year following the promises made by all involved in the Lyndon playing fields housing development.”

Cllr Parkinson said: “Works on the footpath, as set out as part of the planning process, are due to be completed at the beginning of next week.

“This is the responsibility of Reilly Developments, working with Lancashire County Council: the timing and completion has never been in Hyndburn Borough Council’s control or linked to receipts received.

“The footpath is an extension of the existing path from where it previously ended on Harwood Lane to the top gate access to the football fields, as agreed.”

Cllr McGinley said: “I am pleased but this has taken a long time. I would like to see a proper footpath right round the playing fields.”