HOPES that a popular riverside path will be reopened to walkers soon have been dashed.

People who regularly enjoy walking along The Slip in Northwick had hoped to see the path restored quickly.

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

Residents eager to see the return of the popular walking route along the river Severn have placed signs asking for its return amid fears that it could be lost for good.

There was more outrage when the beauty spot was fenced off by an eight foot steel fence in September.

A spokeswoman for Worcestershire County Council has said that there are currently no further updates on plans for the paths.

The spokeswoman said they are still working on a long term solution.

She said: “We have extended an order closing footpath WR-810.

"This order is currently in place until 1 October 2023.

"We are working on possible long term solutions for the area, but while that happens the path needs to remain closed for public safety.”

Previously, councillor Alan Amos said there were 'no current plans to permanently close the footpath'.

There have been talks about re-routing the public footpath away from the riverbank to resolve the issue.

But campaigners would prefer to see work carried out to restore the path and reopen the original route.

Previously, 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 to be feasible as a 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.”