PLANS to re-launch the 45-mile Pendle Way footpath are nearing completion.

The path was launched in 1987 as a way of attracting tourists and encouraging local people to explore the borough.

A further six shorter, circular walks off the Pendle Way were also created.

A report to the council's area committee, which meet next week, says the paths have suffered a number of problems mainly due to wear and tear.

Many stiles and gates need replacing, the black Pendle Witch signs pointing the way have disappeared and stocks of leaflets outlining the routes are out of date and have almost run out anyway, according to the council's footpaths officer Tom Partridge.

Now the paths are to have a "facelift".

The Countryside Commission and Lancashire Tourism Partnership are footing the bill for the re-launch which will include repairing defective stiles and gates, improving the sign posting and producing new leaflets.

The six circular walks will be re-named and will adopt a theme to represent the geography or history of the area they pass through. The routes will be known as:

Historic Waterways. Starting in Foulridge and taking in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Pendle Hill. Starting in Barley and taking on the hill "big end" first.

Historic Barnoldswick.

The Brontes in Pendle. Starting in Trawden and taking in Wycoller.

Kelbrook Moor.

The Old Laund Booth Walk. Starting in Brierfield and taking in Fence and Wheatley Lane.

The walks are between six and seven miles long, the preferred distance for most walkers.