CAMPAIGNERS will meet council officers to discuss alternative methods of improving an historic Neston footpath.

A controversial scheme to make Cuckoo Lane more accessible by covering it in asphalt drew huge local opposition, and Cheshire West and Chester Council agreed to halt the scheme.

The council said it recognised the job was not in keeping with the local surroundings, and now wishes to work with the community to improve the look of the lane.

Householders remain concerned the authority has not agreed to remove the asphalt.

Group spokesman Anthony Annakin-Smith said: "We welcome the council's change of attitude which means that a key section of the route – the sandstone-surfaced sunken track – will retain its historic character.

"However the council have not agreed to remove all the asphalt planings that have already been laid and we will continue to campaign until a satisfactory resolution has been found to this particular issue."

Councillor Lynn Riley, executive member for localities, said: "Following further site visits to Cuckoo Lane we are considering various options for completion of the scheme in partnership with the community and the original plans are now being re-designed.

"Further detailed conversations are due to take place in the next couple of weeks to finalise the plans."