AN overgrown public footpath has been restored thanks to a so-called 'landfill grant'.

The Volunteer Angling Club in Horwich applied for funding after receiving complaints about the path from walkers and anglers.

The club received funding of about £4,000 from Viridor Credits Environmental Company through its Landfill Communities Fund.

The club commissioned Horwich based contractors Conservation Contracts North West to transform the footpath allowing improved access to fishing reservoirs off Wallsuches, close to Chorley Old Road.

The steep and uneven steps have now been removed and a ramp has been created, easing the gradient and making it easier for those using fishing trolleys and people in wheelchairs.

The footpath also links in with the West Pennine Moors footpath network, so the improvements will make it easier for members of the public to access these footpaths too.

Tony Gresty, treasurer of the club, said the club had received numerous complaints in recent years about the difficulties people were having in negotiating the steps.

He said: "The club has received numerous complaints in recent years regarding the difficulties of negotiating the old steps from both club members and also members of the local community because they were uneven and worn, so the club investigated possible improvements.

"Viridor Credits were approached and were most helpful in guiding the club through the process of the application for the possibility of funding.

"Bolton Council gave the club permission to replace the old steps with a ramp, thus providing a much improved access to the reservoirs for club members and to the network of the public footpaths for the benefit of the local community."

Mr Gresty, who has been club treasurer of the club for 15 years, added: "It has made a heck of a difference already. A lot of older people use the footpath, so it will be more safe for them

"The footpath is also one of the only access points for club members to get to our reservoirs, so the transformation is invaluable."

If anyone is interested in joining the club they can call club secretary Norman Merrick on 01204 692719 or club treasurer Tony Gresty on 01204 493792.