A DISPUTE over the re-routing of a footpath is set to be decided by a public inquiry.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has handed over plans to shut a footpath which runs through the Charles Turner paper manufacturers, Belmont, to the Secretary of State for the Regions.

Council bosses want to re-direct part of the Belmont Valley path down a new £14,500 path which avoids the factory.

The council says it only wants to close the old route because it is dangerous to walk through factory premises.

Ramblers and residents oppose the plans because they say the new routes are much harder to walk over.

The council has already dropped court proceedings to force the closure of the path after rambling groups opposed it; 59 objections were received when fresh plans were unveiled to close it last year.

Now the seven-year saga will come to an end with a final decision from a public inquiry.

A council spokesman said that, given the long history of the matter and the strength of feeling, it was thought that any further attempts to resolve objections would not prove successful.

"To advance the process it is necessary to refer the matter to the secretary of state for consideration."

Local councillor Jean Rigby said: "While it may be unsafe to walk through a factory, I feel the new route is even less safe because it runs along roads as well.

"The council should listen to the people it is supposed to serve and back down."

Ken West, from the Open Spaces Society, which is opposed to the re-routing, said: "The alternative paths are steep, extremely muddy and slippy and are dangerous or impossible for the very young or old and the less able.

"Everyone could use the paths which went, for a short distance, through the mill.

"Government health experts are always telling us we all need more exercise, especially young and old people and that walking achieves this."