A COUNTY councillor has welcomed the transform-ation of a disused path after it was cleaned up.

Lancashire County Council cleared the 300 metre path, which runs from Rockcliffe Street, Rossendale, across the River Irwell through to Stubbylee Lane, of plants and stones, to enable better access Stubbylee Park.

Prior to the work people had to cross private land to get to and from the park because stone boulders blocked a railway bridge which ran above part of the path. Work on the path started on Monday and the path should be ready by the end of the week.

Former Rossendale mayor and county and district councillor Jimmy Eaton, who approached the county council with a view to getting the path clear, said: "The path had been overgrown for a number of years, it had debris and had flooded in the past.

"This path will make a big difference to people's journeys. I am delighted with its opening."

"I would like to thank the county council for their work and effort."