A PROPOSED pathway to one of Pendle's best known and loved landmarks is being blocked by three landowners.

Blacko Tower is a prominent local landmark which is known to everyone in the area. There has never been a public right of way to it.

The parish council in Blacko contacted Pendle Council to investigate the possibility of creating a footpath to the tower.

But objections to the proposed path were lodged after the council contacted the three landowners who would be affected by the plans.

A spokesman for the council said: "One landowner objects to the new path on the grounds that he uses the land for cows who need to be in a quiet environment where they are not disturbed by dogs or people.

"The second landowner is firmly against the path because of the risk of additional disturbance to livestock.

"The third is strongly opposed to the principle of a new right of way on the grounds that no new rights of way should be constructed across his land and he is unwilling to participate in any form of negotiations."

Consultation with the Pendle Countryside Access Forum has shown that many people have gained access to the tower, regardless of a lack of a right of way.

Recent renovation works at the tower were paid for in part by residents of Blacko and many in the village feel they have a right to visit the tower.

Plans for the path will be discussed at a meeting of the Barrowford and Western Parishes Committee on Thursday October 3.

The meeting will be held in Barrowford Civic Hall in Maud Street at 7pm.