COUNCIL regeneration chiefs today said a controversial path leading to a new motorway service station could not be closed -- despite fierce opposition from local residents.

Neighbours in Redvers Road, Darwen, are furious about the route from the street to the new McDonald's restaurant off the M65.

Campaigners met with officers from Blackburn with Darwen Council but the authority said the path cannot be closed because it is a public right of way.

Residents wanted it destroyed because it has attracted gangs of children to the area, which is mainly sheltered accommodation.

Adam Scott, director of regeneration housing and neighbourhoods, said: "Officers from the council met with the chair of planning and highways and residents on Tuesday to listen to their concerns.

"Theyir complaints are being looked at and there will be a report back to the residents via the members in due course."

Linda Chelton, Redvers Road campaigner, said she was given the impression that the council were taking a second look at the path.

She said: "It is a public right of way to start with and then it forks off into the M65 Services and it never used to do that before.

"We maintain that the path shouldn't be there because it wasn't on the council plans in the first place."