Relief as council bosses agree to fix "dangerous" Walton-le-Dale footpath

The path running between houses in Duddle Lane, Walton-le-Dale, to the 2nd Walton-le-Dale Scout Group hut has been made uneven by tree root growth and becomes easily waterlogged.

But now, after being approached by the Lancashire Post, council officials have announced that the problem will be rectified within the next six weeks.

David Goode, public rights of way manager for Lancashire County Council, said: "This is a well-used path and we have a small project planned to improve it and iron out some of the problems.

"We'll be levelling the surface to prevent the puddling which currently occurs when it's wet, cutting back some vegetation, and removing a tree on private property to prevent the roots from damaging the path.

"We have already issued an order for this work and expect it to be carried out within the next six weeks."

Tony Fitzgerald of Duddle Lane, said: "It's brilliant news. I thought nobody was taking responsibility. When I called South Ribble Council about it they said it was Lancashire County Council's responsibility, and vice versa.

"The roots have been growing thicker and longer since I first called the council's about this problem, and in some places, the surface has raised by six inches.

"That's a footpath that's open 24/7, it's used in the daylight and at night, and it's posing a risk to everyone who uses it."