A RIVERSIDE footpath that has been closed for nearly two years will remain shut with no current plans to repair it.

The footpath along Northwick Slip was closed in March 2022 after natural erosion made the path unsafe for walkers - but there are no plans to repair or reopen it any time soon, council bosses have revealed.

It would cost between £500,000 and £1 million to reopen the path, estimates have revealed.

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council, said: “We can confirm the closure has been extended and there are no current plans to repair the path.”

Worcestershire County Council said last year that the order closing the footpath was set to remain in place until October 1, 2023 or until the work is completed - whichever is sooner - but now the path shows no sign of being reopened. 

Cllr Mel Allcott, Worcestershire County Councillor for Claines division, asked Cllr Mike Rouse, the cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transport, if funding can be provided to ensure the footpath can be reopened.

RECOMMENDED READING: Northwick Slip footpath unlikely to reopen as repairs cost up to £1m

RECOMMENDED READING: Northwick Slip footpath will be revealed at council meeting

Question eight from Cllr Allcott on the Worcestershire County Council document 'Question Time' reads: "I understand Kepax bridge is scheduled to be completed December 2025.

"The nearby river footpath WR-810 in Claines has been closed for two and a half years. At a prior Council meeting, on the back of a highways general update, I asked Cllr Alan Amos (whilst cabinet member for highways and transport) if funding could be provided to reopen the footpath and this was declined.

 "I am now asking Cllr Mike Rouse (as cabinet member for highways and transport) if funding can be provided, to ensure this much loved, very popular and previously frequently used river footpath can be reopened, in conjunction with the opening of Kepax Bridge, for the benefit of residents, visitors, tourism and the local economy?"

It is closed from the Northwick Lido to the steps down to the river near Chacewater Avenue.

Cllr Allcott said: "I'm still looking for a solution and I haven't given up hope. I'm still working on a longer term solution."