PEOPLE in Saltburn have been angered by possible plans to close part of the Cleveland Way.

The section of footpath, which has been in existence since Victorian times, starts at the top of Saltburn Bank and leads via the Spa Hotel car park to the second bend in Saltburn Bank Road.

A report by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council says the path is in a dangerous condition and steps need to be taken to safeguard the public.

The report suggests diverting the path along the road from the top of the bank to the Spa Hotel car park.

Another option is to divert the section of path away from the edge of the slippage on private land owned by the Spa Hotel. However, this would put the path closer to bedrooms recently built at the rear of the hotel.

The recommended option is to pay more than £6,000 to monitor the stability of the slope by installing at least one inclinometer, which could lead to the path being kept open, subject to satisfactory monitoring.

Patrick Moran, public rights of way officer, said in the report: "It has been proven in the past to be extremely difficult to close or divert a public path if there are objections.

"Objectors could rightly argue that walking alongside a heavily trafficked road is not as enjoyable as the route through the Spa Hotel grounds."

Residents have raised concerns over a temporary closure of the path or its possible permanent closure.

Saltburn, Marske and New Marske parish councillor Jim Wingham said: "This path is part of the Cleveland Way and money should be available for its repair.

"Too many paths in the Saltburn area have been lost and not replaced."

Sue Preston, who is clerk to the parish council, said: "We shall be keeping up the pressure on the borough council to find the money to make the path safe and get it reopened."

Members of the borough council's cabinet will vote on Tuesday on whether the footpath should be diverted or a budget made available for its monitoring.