THE footpath at the centre of a bitter dispute in Melkridge could be re-routed – despite being declared a public right of way following a public inquiry last summer.

The 50-yard lonnen, on land owned by Melkridge Hall, provided access to the village from the A69 trunk road until four years ago, when gates were locked shut at either end by landowner, the Halbert family.

Last summer, Government appointed inspector Sue Arnott ruled that the route was a public bridleway.

But the Halbert family applied for a judicial review of the decision, and in February of this year, Northumberland County Council’s rights of way committee said that the gates would remain closed until the outcome of the legal challenge was known.

Now it has emerged that any judicial review will be put on hold while the possibility of diverting the route is explored.

A Northumberland County Council spokeswoman said discussions had taken place with the landowner, and the Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Although the route was badly damaged by flooding 18 months ago, the council would not say why a possible diversion was being considered.

However, the matter will be considered by the council’s rights of way committee on July 11, and that a detailed report will be available on the council website a week before the meeting date.

Melkridge Parish Council has stated that it would be prepared to consider one possible diversionary route, but its preference is for the original route to be re-opened.