MORE than 100 people have signed a petition calling for a footpath that connects part of Rawtenstall with the town centre to be reopened.

They said that Corn Mill Lane is heavily used as it connects the Burnley Road area of Rawtenstall with the town centre.

Kathy Fishwick, secretary of Rossendale Civic Trust, who is collecting signatures, said the alternative options to get into town were unsuitable.

She said: “For a lot of people the only other option is a road with no pavement or a set of 46 steps.

“For elderly people and people with prams it isn’t feasible or safe to use these other routes.

“The lane has been closed for a while but it was always seen as temporary, but now it looks more permanent and people are getting worried.”

The lane is currently unadopted, which means Lancashire County Council does not have to maintain it or keep it open, but the petition is calling on the council to take it under their control.

Kathy said: “It would be a nightmare for everybody in the area if remains closed.

“There are a lot of elderly residents in the area and they can’t be expected to navigate 46 steps just to get into town.

“It is a very ancient footpath and is quite historical so it is important it is kept in use.”

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said the authority would look into the issue.