A GROUP of Arnside residents are celebrating after their community spirit is set to result in a popular footpath being repaired.

Locals say the path to the Knott behind Redhills Road and Parkside Drive has been ‘slowly deteriorating’ over the past ten years, and becomes ‘impassable’ after heavy rain.

The route is used by students going to school during the week and is popular with walkers at weekends.

Concerned residents joined forces with Arnside Parish Plan to lobby Cumbria County Council (CCC) about the issue.

The cash-strapped authority agreed to contribute 50 per cent of the total cost of £13,600, but asked the Arnside community to donate the other £6,800.

In less than two months, villagers managed to raise the funds, helped by donations from Friends of the Lake District and the Arnside and Silverdale AONB.

Local county councillor Ian Stewart also contributed funds from his allocations, and at the time of going to press the group was just £83 short.

Pete McSweeney, chairman of Arnside Parish Plan Trust, said, “A few residents have expressed concerns that asking the local community to match fund the repairs is wrong.

“They say that by helping out we have set a dangerous precedent, but I don’t believe that’s the case – I think this is the world we live in now.”

Mr McSweeney praised the generosity of local residents to the appeal for funds, saying: “We just put notices up around the village and the response was fantastic.

“It was very encouraging – I thought we would get a little bit but not to the extent that we have had.

“We only started fundraising in early November so I’m astonished at how quickly it came together.”

The first phase of work on the path is set to begin in February, and will see it being resurfaced with drainage being improved at several key locations.

Completion of the two repair phases is expected by summer 2015.

For details contact 01524 761113 or email pete.mcsweeney@arnsideparishplantrust.org.