HOPES are mounting for walkers in Portishead who have been campaigning to protect a seawall footpath.

There was a public outcry after a gate leading on to the path, which runs from the marina to Portbury Wharf, was padlocked preventing access for the second time in six months.

Now, campaigners have collected evidence forms from walkers who have used the path for more than 30 years, with the aim of getting it formally accepted as a public right of way.

Portishead town councillor Peter Burden, who has been working with North Somerset Council and the Sea Wall Commission to establish the status of the footpath, says he now has sufficient evidence to request the footpath is recognised as a public right of way on the definitive map.

He said: “We are in a position to pursue channels to sort this matter out once and for all. However, before we spend time and money on the matter, I recommend we make a formal request to the Sea Wall Commission which has the ability to grant permission without the need to go through expensive and lengthy procedures.”

Portishead Town Council voted in favour of this action.