ANGER over the collapse and closure of a riverside city footpath has now resulted in more than 1,000 people signing an online petition to repair and reopen it.

The petition to reopen the Northwick Slip in Worcester has now garnered 1,049 signatures as residents demand the path is brought back into use.

Set up in July by Maria Baldwin, the change.org petition continues to draw support after the closure of the path in March 2022 after natural erosion made it unsafe for walkers.

In her petition Ms Baldwin wrote: "This footpath was not just a route, but a source of joy and calm provided by the city I call home. However, this essential part of our community's landscape was snuffed out due to it’s closure. 

"The footpath is not just a nostalgic memory for me, but an integral part of Worcester's charm appreciated by many residents.

"It is our right to have access to these public spaces that add a sense of tranquility to our bustling city. The abrupt closure of the footpath has robbed us of one of the prettiest riverside walks in Worcester, resulting in the loss of a valuable recreational space for the public."

She said the appeal was about 'more than just about restoring a footpath, it is about retaining the character of our beloved city'.

A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, which has raised concerns about the path on behalf of residents, said: "We understand how deeply the closure and collapse of the footpath has impacted residents. This path has been a valued part of our community, and its loss has caused understandable frustration and disappointment.

"After speaking with officers and residents and reviewing the available documents, it appears that natural erosion played a significant role in the collapse. While we cannot categorically rule out other factors, we can only base conclusions on the evidence available.

"The estimated cost of reconstructing would far exceed Worcestershire's entire footpath maintenance budget. Unfortunately, the Conservative-controlled county council has made it clear they will not allocate additional funding, making reconstruction unfeasible under the current circumstances.

"We must also be mindful of the ongoing planning application in the area and how what we say publicly may prejudice this process. While this application is not directly related to the footpath, we made the decision to call it into committee to provide residents with a formal platform to raise their concerns on this very important issue.

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"We will continue to engage with residents, listen to concerns, and work towards the best possible outcomes within the constraints we face. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support."

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council, said: “The path is closed on safety grounds due to the collapse of the riverbank.  Due to difficult access and the sensitive nature of the site, the substantial cost of reinstating the site is not considered feasible.”