REOPENING a popular city footpath is "not feasible" due to estimated costs of between £500,000 to £1 million.

The footpath along Northwick Slip was closed in March 2022 after natural erosion made the path unsafe for walkers.

Worcestershire County Council said last year that the order closing the footpath is set to remain in place until October 1 2023 or until the work is completed - whichever is sooner.

However, it has now been confirmed by the council that the cost of the project at this moment in time is not feasible.

Cllr Mel Allcott, Worcestershire county council for Claines division, asked if funding could be provided for the re-opening of the footpath in conjuncture with the Kepax Bridge project.

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She said: "I understand the Kepax bridge is scheduled to be completed in 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."

Cllr Mike Rouse, cabinet member for highways and transport, confirmed the price was currently "unfeasible".

He said: "Thank you Cllr Allcott for your question, I just wanted to point out that the bridge will open by the end of 2024.

"As everyone is aware the path has been closed on safety grounds due to the collapse of a river bank.

"Due to the difficult access and the sensitive nature of the site, the cost of reinstating the site has been estimated between half a million to £1million and is not considered feasible at this time.

Officers are still engaging with the resident landowners and hope to avoid the path being permanently closed."

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Cllr Allcott said there was concern that development in the area may have contributed to the landslip, but highlighted how there was not sufficient evidence into the matter.

Cllr Rouse said: "There is probably a bit of unpacking to do there with developers to meet and discuss the way forward.

"I agree that we should get some engagement with the affected parties to be provided with assurance."