'People power' gets popular Northampton footpath reopened

David Roberts, Julie Davenport and Ray Connolly are delighted the footpath is open again

A popular footpath which closed suddenly in September has reopened following a 1,707-signature petition.

The path in Northampton is used by leisure walkers and as a sustainable route for workers and students.

West Northamptonshire Council is planning to buy the path off the landowner.

A local councillor who had joined the campaign put the news of the reopening down to "people power" and said "we're just all so happy".

The path is in the Southbridge area on the edge of Northampton town centre, just over the bridge from the River Nene in Far Cotton.

It closed in September and the landowner told the BBC at the time that "it's private land and we have the right to close or to use it for our self".

Walkers found the path blocked off in September

The landowner also indicated that he would try to negotiate with the council to get the issue resolved.

A petition to get the path reopened was set up.

Julie Davenport, an independent councillor, said she put it down to "people power".

"We got a petition together... and finally they've decided that it's open and we're just all so happy."

The access to the path has been opened again, so people can enjoy the riverside walk

With a disused toilet block at one end, and overgrown grass in various places, some parts of the path are not much to look at, but campaigners hope something will be done about that as well.

Ray Connolly, a Conservative councillor, said: "It would be nice just to tidy it up for starters just as soon as West Northants purchase the land back".

West Northamptonshire Council is planning to buy the land back

David Roberts, who lives near the path, watched many people trying to get on to the path over the last few months.

"There were upwards of 30 people a day trying to get through and kids trying to get to school with their parents, Motability scooters, people trying to get to work, and also I think it's important the path's open because of emergency access," he said.

Phil Larratt, the council's cabinet member for environment and highways, said the local authority had "reached an agreement to purchase land from the current owner and the legal documents are being prepared".

"In the meantime the footpath has been reopened, which is great news for everyone concerned," he added.