A LANDOWNER will be contacted about the state of a muddy footpath next to a gate to their field.

The Northern Echo was contacted by a reader who complained a short stretch of the path alongside the A688 at Tursdale, near West Cornforth, was near impassable to pedestrians.

Mark Readman, Durham County Council's highway services manager, said: "This footpath is an adopted path which we inspect on an annual basis.

"The mud on the path has been caused by people parking and entering the stables, and we will be in contact with the land owner to highlight this issue.

"Our highways inspectors will also be monitoring the area."