A PUBLIC footpath in Ramsbottom is likely to be upgraded to a bridleway by county councillors.

It runs from Cheesden Bridge, Rochdale Road above Shuttleworth, in a southerly direction to the junction with the Castle Hill Road and Scotland Road bridleways.

Lancashire County Council's regulatory committee will tomorrow discuss Rossendale Council's application to upgrade 350 yards of the footpath to bridleway.

Fourteen proofs of evidence in support of the application show two people have used the route for 40 years and nine have used it for less than nine years.

The use has been mainly for pleasure and leisure purposes ranging from twice weekly to monthly.

Officers will tell members evidence had been submitted to show that the route has been used by horse-riders since the 1950s to the present day and the claim for bridleway status should be accepted.