FORMAL proposals to stabilise a section of riverbank at Easby, near Richmond, have been submitted.

The Easby footpath restoration committee hopes to shore up 100 metres of land to protect a path from erosion by the River Swale.

The path was reinstated last year after collapsing due to undercutting of the bank by the water.

Walkers feared the problem would recur unless the bank was stabilised and a £75,000 public appeal was launched to fund the work. Volunteers have so far collected about £25,000 and hope that gaining planning permission for the scheme will unlock further cash.

The project involves re-angling the collapsed bank, near Easby Abbey, and fixing large stones at its base. Boulders would then be used to create a new face and goat willow planted to further secure the land.

Temporary access for vehicles would be created near St Agatha's House and removed and reinstated when work was complete.

A planners' report to Richmondshire District Council environment committee on Tuesday says the proposals seem to comply with planning policy.

Members are recommended to delegate authority to senior officers and members to grant permission subject to the satisfaction of English Heritage, which owns the abbey, and the county archaeologist