A SEVEN-year battle over the routing of a public footpath is set to be heard by planning inspectors this week.

A public inquiry will start on Thursday over the controversial footpath which runs through the grounds of the Charles Turner factory in Belmont.

Council bosses want to re-direct part of the Belmont Valley path down a new £14,500 path which avoids the factory.

The council says it only wants to close the old route because it is dangerous to walk through factory premises.

Ramblers and residents oppose the plans because they say the new routes are much harder to walk over.

The council has already dropped court proceedings to force the closure of the path after rambling groups opposed it; 59 objections were received when fresh plans were unveiled to close it last year.

Now the seven-year saga will come to an end with a final decision from a public inquiry.

Local councillor Jean Rigby said: "While it may be unsafe to walk through a factory, I feel the new route is even less safe because it runs along roads as well.

"The council should listen to the people it is supposed to serve and back down."

The hearing is expected to run for four days and will be heard in committee room one at Blackburn Town Hall.