HUNDREDS of walkers are expected to take part in a protest tonight against the proposed closure of a stretch of riverside footpath.

Two and a half miles of the picturesque Ribble Way, near Sawley, are the subject of a 12-year battle between Lancashire County Council and the landowners.

The controversy began when the landowners objected to the footpath's designation as a bridleway. Now the fate of the footpath lies in the hands of a public inquiry which opens in Clitheroe next week.

A rally at the controversial site last year attracted over 200 protesters, among them Ribble Valley civic leaders and MP Nigel Evans.

A spokesman for the Ramblers Association, which has spearheaded the fight against closure of the footpath, said no effort would be spared in the fight to keep it open.

Spokesman Frank Parrott described tonight's walk as the last chance to show support for the retention of the footpath.

The rally leaves the centre of Sawley at 7 pm and further details are available from Mr Parrott on 01200 423125.

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