HIKERS have ambled through a maze of public footpaths to demonstrate what they claim is the appalling state of walkways around the Astley area of Leigh.

A group of more than 30 walkers comprising villagers and members of the Wigan branch of the Ramblers' Association completed a circular tour of the Higher Green area to highlight what they say is a lack of maintenance and absence of signposts.

The walkers started from Astley Green Colliery Museum and circled the village and parts of Boothstown on a two-hour walk.

John Neale, of Higher Green Lane, said a lack of signs had led to fears that walkers could end up trespassing on private land.

Mr Neale, said that over the past 18 months he had regularly contacted Wigan Council about the state of the footpaths and last month a rights of way officer from Wigan inspected the area.

Mr Neale said: "This is only the start of a long fight to improve these paths. When we do achieve what we wish for we will repeat the walk on the footpaths to the south of Astley Green until we are satisfied that the footpaths are safe and reliable for all to enjoy."

A spokesman for Wigan Council said the authority was spending more money than ever before on footpaths.