Repairs to closed footpath ‘would cost just £30,000’
Repairing a closed riverside footpath would cost far less than previously thought, according to a conservation charity
Last updated 26th Nov 2025
Repairing a closed riverside footpath would cost far less than previously thought, according to a conservation charity.
A report by the Open Spaces Society says short-term repairs to Northwick Slip would cost “well under £30,000”.
It says the closure of the footpath in 2021 was due to the collapse of a section just two-metres long as well as the removal of steps used to access the path.
Work carried out on behalf of Worcestershire County Council in 2020 and 2021 suggested it would cost around £500,000 to upgrade a much longer section of footpath and the council has said it has “no plans to reopen it”.
In his report, Open Spaces Society correspondent David Howerski said there has been an “unhelpful focus on the excessive engineering costs associated with a 250-metre riverbank restoration project”.
Residents campaigning for the path to be reopened held a public meeting at Bishop Allenby Hall in St Stephen’s Street last week, with about 50 attendees agreeing to oppose further closure orders.
The current temporary closure order expires in October 2027.
City and county councillor Mel Allcott said: “The meeting was advertised pretty much by word of mouth and was very well attended.
“The report from Open Spaces was certainly a surprise, quoting costs of £30,000, just one sixth of the consultants Jacobs’ report to repair the short stretches of footpath.
“Obviously more work will need to be done and as yet there is no direct funding in place for the river footpath.
“I have requested central Government funding from MP Tom Collins as the county council is in a predicament with its finances.
“I thank the residents of Claines for their patience in this matter and would like to highlight that the county council does have a statutory responsibility to maintain and keep open footpaths.”
The report says reinstatement of the collapsed part of the footpath could be completed as part of drainage works at two bungalows at Northwick Marina.
But Mr Howerski adds: “The task of bringing the footpath back into repair at this two-metre location is one which could easily be completed by volunteers with hand tools.”
He said new steps and a gate are needed at the entrance to the footpath from Cove Gardens, obstructions including logs and pallets need to be moved, and “minor damage” to a bridge needs to be fixed.
“It would make eminent sense to pursue a policy of short term operational repairs to bring the footpath back into public use.”
Worcestershire highways chief Karl Perks said: “Our Public Rights of Way Team met Mr Howerski on site to explain the reasons for the closure and outline the nature of the issues involved.
“We appreciate the time and consideration he has put into his report, and we have provided further detail to help clarify some aspects of the situation.
“Our position regarding the feasibility of opening up the current route remains the same, however, at the site visit, we discussed a potential alternative diversion route, which we are currently exploring at an early feasibility stage.”