RAMBLERS in East Lancashire have won county council backing in their high court bid to stop the closure of a Ribble riverside path.

The council and the ramblers have been involved in a long running wrangle with landowners over the path between Sawley Lodge to Gisburn.

An appeal to the Government to step in and prevent the closure failed in April when Environment Secretary John Prescott ruled on the side of the landowners.

But now, a challenge is to be mounted in the High Court as the council and the ramblers refuse to give up their fight to have the path included on the definitive map.

Coun Tim Ormrod, chairman of the council's public rights of way committee, said: "The decision of the public inquiry disappointed me.

"This will affect public access to a beautiful part of the county, enjoyed both by local people and walkers from much further afield.

"Lancashire County Council has already pursued the matter vigorously through two public inquiries and I wish the Ramblers' Association every success with their challenge to the inspector's decision.

"We are liaising with other interested parties and seeking support from district and parish councils, the East Lancashire Partnership, MPs and the general public.

"We will explore every route to help maintain the appeal of the Ribble Way."

An alternative route for the Ribble Way has been clearly signposted and notices and maps are displayed at both ends of the alternative route.

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