PARISH councillors in Colden Common have decided to take over the maintenance of a public footpath in order to have it restored.

The footpath, located between Spring Lane and the village green, is owned by Taylor Woodrow.

The firm has offered to bring it up to scratch and pass onto the council for future maintenance.

Parish clerk, Debbie Harding, said: “We’re having a lot more mobility scooters round the village and we need to make it more friendly for people to pass. It’s such an important footpath used by so many people.”

Councillors agreed the footpath served a significant function to members of the community but cited issues with repair works carried out in the past.

Cllr Josephine Anstey said: “Over the years we have spent a lot of money on the path with not a lot of results.”

A member of the public said: “It’s used a high amount each day by elderly people and parents with push chairs. It really needs to be resurfaced and tarmaced.”

Works are expected to begin shortly given the footpath’s poor state.