LEGAL bosses at Lancashire County Council are considering whether to fight the closure of a stretch of the Ribble Way described as the most beautiful riverside path in the country.

Defiant ramblers are also considering legal action in the High Court against closure of the Sawley footpath.

Former Environment Secretary John Gummer ordered the deletion of a two-and-a-half mile stretch of the Ribble Way at Sawley from the definitive map 12 years ago.

Since then the path has been the subject of a wrangle between landowners Colin and Patty Lord, the Ramblers' Association and Lancashire County Council.

The path, which runs along the River Ribble from Sawley Lodge to Steep Wood, was the subject of a public inquiry two years ago, when inspector John de Winton decided the path's inclusion on the definitive map had been a mistake.

A second inquiry was held on a technicality, but the inspector upheld the original findings and announced yesterday that, unless an appeal was launched within six weeks, the footpath must close. Clitheroe rambler Frank Parrott said a High Court action would prove very expensive to all concerned.

"We feel we have a good case," he said.

"This is one of the most beautiful riverside paths in the country and we won't let it go without a fight.

"However, if it does go to the High Court, even if we win, it is going to be expensive."

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "We have received the inspector's decision and will be considering its contents.

"We don't know at this stage whether we will be taking legal action."

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