A "PRETTY" path in the heart of the Lake District should remain untouched, according to parish councillors.

Plans to reroute a section of footpath at Low Birthwaite, Windermere, were rejected by Windermere Parish Council at their latest meeting after members heard how landowners were keen to make changes to improve their privacy.

A letter to the parish council from the Lake District National Park Authority said: "The footpath is a popular route, well used by locals and touristsThe diversion would be to the benefit of the landowner by enabling the more effective usage of their property and by increasing the security and safety of their children."

The path currently passes between the buildings at Low Birthwaite. If the changes get the go ahead the path would go round the buildings instead.

Coun Pat Holmes said she was against the new route for "sentimental reasons".

"It is a very pretty footpath in a very historical area. I don't like the thought of people being diverted and shoved round the back. Everything changes but this is a little piece of history that shouldn't change."

Councillors recommended the plan should be rejected. Their views will be fed back to the LDNPA.

February 6, 2003 16:00