SHIFTING the course of a footpath affected by storm damage and erosion could save £235,000, councillors will be told.

A bridge carrying the path over Woodnook Water, Priestley Clough, Accrington, was washed away more than five years ago and the retaining wall which supported the path along the river bank collapsed making the route impassable.

A report to the county council's public rights of way sub-committee said the cost of replacing the stone bridge with a wooden one, which would allow the path to be reinstated along its original line, would be more than £245,000.

Instead Hynburn Council suggested a cheaper solution of diverting the path over a former allotment site owned by the borough council and over privately-owned land at a cost of between £5,000 and £10,000.

The rights of way committee is recommended to formally approve the diversion when it meets on Wednesday.