CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save a popular riverside walk are appealing for financial support from traders.

A section of the Easby Abbey footpath, near Richmond, has collapsed because of serious erosion of the banks of the River Swale and further damage is likely to threaten St Agatha's Abbey.

The Easby Riverside Restoration Project is hoping to raise £75,000 for urgent reinforcement work. Project chairman Brian Robertshaw said the group had approached North Yorkshire County Council, the Environment Agency and English Heritage but nobody would accept sole responsibility for restoring the footpath.

He asked for the support of traders 'who have an interest in the prosperity of the town.'