STUDLEY Parish Council is investigating whether a footpath through the old Duke of Marlborough site in Alcester Road can be formally adopted as a public right of way.

The site is currently empty and awaiting the start of work on a block of sheltered accommodation for the elderly.

The parish council and Stratford District Council objected to the plans, saying the new building would be overbearing. However planning permission was granted on appeal.

Now the parish council is looking to see whether it can use rules stipulating a path used by the public for more than 20 years can be adopted as a right of way.

Parish clerk Dot Mitchell said villagers constantly used a route from Pool Road and New Road at the back of the old pub, through the car park and out onto Alcester Road.

"It was an accepted route," said Mrs Mitchell.

"Everybody used it, even going back 30 years."

Mrs Mitchell added: "We're looking into whether we can somehow gather evidence and prove that to get the path adopted as a right of way.

"Quite what it would mean for the development if we did, we don't know.

"But we opposed it in the first place."

Meanwhile, controversial plans for a three-story block of flats on the site of the old Studley Gas Works in Alcester Road have been withdrawn.

The Advertiser reported last week that the parish council objected to the height of the development.