CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating a victory in the battle for a public footpath around Bowmoor Lake near Lechlade.

Gloucestershire County Council has accepted that a two kilometre stretch of path around the lake should be designated as a right of way.

At a recent meeting the authority's commons and rights of way panel decided the route should be added to an existing footpath.

The application was opposed by the landowner, extraction giant Hanson, and recommended for refusal by county officers.

David Weeks, spokesman for Hanson, said: "We are definitely going to take action. It's a question of whether it will be in the form of an appeal or judicial review.

"The officers supported us and there's strong evidence that it shouldn't be there."

The proposed alterations will now go out to public consultation.

Amanda Keys, of the county's rights of way department, said: "We have decided to accept the application for a modification order, and we now have to serve notice on all interested parties.

"Once a draft map has been drawn up the public will have six weeks to raise any objections.

"If we received any objections which can't be resolved, the application will be decided at a public inquiry by the Secretary of State."

The application to have the path extended was brought by Whelford resident Bruce Arkell in 1998.

In order to have the path classified as a right of way campaigners had to demonstrate that it had been used by the public for 20 years.

East Cotswold county councillor Raymond Theodoulou, who supported the application, said the decision was an important triumph.

He said: "This decision means that people who have used the path for years have the right to continue to do so despite opposition from the landowner. It will be welcomed as a victory for those who want to enjoy this quiet spot."