A footpath that will legally allow people to walk from Willesley to Hicks Lodge for the first time, has been agreed by Leicestershire County Council.

It comes after almost a decade of work from local residents - including the Willesley Environment Protection Association (WEPA) - to get the path recognised.

The ownership of the land was not clear and it is believed there was difficulty in finding out precise details.

A public enquiry was held last month, and the order was agreed by an Inspector from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). 

The Inspector said in a report: "The Order proposes to modify the Definitive Map and Statement for the area by adding a public footpath at Willesley Lane as shown on the Order Plan and described in the Order Schedule.

"I made an unaccompanied site visit on Monday, October 2, when I was able to walk the entire length of the Order route and familiarise myself with the area. It was agreed at the Inquiry that a further accompanied visit was not necessary.

"I held a public Inquiry into the above Order on October 3 at The Council Chamber, County Hall, Glenfield. In writing this decision I have found it convenient to refer to points marked on the Order Plan.

"I have concluded that the user evidence is sufficient to raise a presumption that the claimed route has been dedicated as a public footpath. 

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"Therefore, I conclude on the balance of probabilities that a public footpath subsists. 

"In light of this conclusion, there is no need for me to address the evidence in the context of common law dedication."

It was reported there was one objection to the plan.

The report continued: "There was concern from the objector that the boundary had been broken down by cyclists or other users. 

"While I recognise this as a genuine concern, the short cut to Hicks Lodge created by this boundary removal is not part of the Order route and therefore not before me for consideration. I conclude that the Order should be confirmed."