THE Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is now responsible for maintaining paths in the whole of the park following an agreement with Lancashire Country Council.

It has become the delegated Authority for the maintenance of paths from north Lancashire around the village of Leck, including the county’s highest peak, Gragareth.

The area became part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park in 2016 when its boundary was extended.

A total of ten miles of public footpaths exist in the Lancashire part of the National Park and from the beginning of April, when the agreement came into effect, the National Park Authority has had responsibilities alongside landowners, farmers and tenants to maintain the routes.

Lancashire County Councillor, Cosima Towneley, said: “I think this is a great collaboration between Lancashire County Council and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

"I very much look forward to working with colleagues in the National Park to bring the network here up to the highest standard – a standard which I have to say is also being rolled out in the County of Lancashire."

Kate Hilditch added: “The difference that this agreement makes is that we will have the opportunity to work with the landowners and local communities on maintaining the rights of way on their land.

"Our first step is to get to know the people, then we will work through any maintenance issues.

"The agreement also gives us an opportunity to get to know the routes properly and collaborate with the County Council.”