THE FATE of a controversial Holme Valley footpath is to be debated at a public inquiry to be held next month.

A snicket, which is a link between Crown Street and St Mary’s Road in Honley, had been used as a footpath for decades.

But the path was closed off by a resident around 2008.

Kirklees Council ordered that the path should be re-opened as a right of way in February, 2010.

But the order was then referred to the Planning Inspectorate by a resident.

An officer from the Inspectorate will now listen to both sides of the argument in a public inquiry.

The inquiry will take place at Holmfirth Civic Hall on Tuesday, December 13.

The officer will then recommend to the Rural Affairs Minister Caroline Spelman whether the path should be opened or remain closed.