COUNCIL chiefs have revealed what could happen with a popular riverside path currently closed because of natural erosion.

There have been a strong reaction to the closure of the riverside path to The Slip in Northwick which has been closed for about seven months.

Natural erosion has made the path unsafe for walkers and led to a section closed off from Northwick Lido to steps down to the river near Chacewater Avenue.

Signs have been put up by residents asking for the return of the route amid fears that it could be lost for good.

However, Worcestershire County Council has revealed it has no plans to permanently close the path.

It could though look at planning a different route if it becomes clear the original footpath is unable to be made safe.

Councillor Alan Amos, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said:  “We can confirm that there are no current plans to permanently close the footpath.

"However, due to the extent and on-going nature of the land slip, repairing the path may prove not be feasible as an long term solution.

"If sufficient land is lost to the river and reinstating the path becomes impossible, we could consider a permanent change to the definitive line of the footpath, such as a diversion.

"However, these would require a legal order to be processed and would include a public consultation.

"During the consultation stage, we would welcome  comments from local residents on any proposed change.”

Councillor Mel Allcott (Claines/Lib dem) told the Worcester News that the closed pathway was the single biggest issue in Claines.

"Many people have contacted me about The Slip and they are regularly in touch.

"It is still a huge issue and people are very upset about this.

"A lot of people have walked that way for years."