A campaign to re-open a Coalville footpath has been set up after Network Rail were accused of blocking it off without warning.

The path, from Scotlands Playing Fields towards Hugglescote is well used by local residents who say it has been for years.

Now a Facebook group has been set up with Amy Shepherd as lead campaigner - with county councillor Terri Eynon aiming to win the footpath back for the people.

The aim is to prove to Leicestershire County Council that the path has been in use for decades and campaigners want local residents to back them in their fight by filling in an Evidence Form which can be printed off from this link.

The group has contacted Network Rail and been told the move is to secure the track from trespass.

But opponents argue that the fence could have been positioned in such a way to still allow access to the path.

Amy said: "There was no warning. Walkers are absolutely devastated, some have been using the route for more than 40 years."

Cllr Eynon posted on Facebook: "Are you going to miss walking from Scotlands Playing Fields towards Hugglescote?

"There is a lovely walk through the park, beside the bowling green that joins up with the N86 public right of way just before goes under the railway in a tunnel.

"People have been enjoying this route for over forty years. But not anymore. The footpath is not an adopted highway and Network Rail have, without bothering to ask any of us, blocked it off.

"I have been in touch with the Access Officer at Leicestershire County Council. We can fight this. We must prove to a Planning Inspector that this path has been used for decades without let or hindrance. We can do this - with your help.

"Amy Shepherd has volunteered to be the lead campaigner for us.

"I am going to get hold of some forms and post a link on here. If you haven't got access to a printer, please contact me with your details so we can get forms to you. My secure County Council email address is [email protected].

"Let's win this footpath back for the people!"

Amy added: "Notice has been served to both Network Rail and North West Leicestershire District Council about my application to have the footpath made official by Leicestershire County Council.

"We now need to gather a body of evidence to prove that the footpath has been in use for over 20 years without let or hindrance.

"Please fill in your user evidence forms with as much detail as possible. Any photographs on the closed section of footpath may also be useful- especially any that are historical."

Coalville Nub News has contacted Network Rail for comment.