THE FUTURE of a footpath at Buriton that crosses the Petersfield to Portsmouth rail line is due to be examined by a government inspector.

The Public Inquiry is scheduled to be held in Buriton village hall and is set to start on Tuesday, December 13, and is scheduled to last three days.

Network Rail want to close the pedestrian and cycle footway over the line, saying it is dangerous.

It is planned to reroute the path, known as Footpath Three, under the railway through a tunnel about 100-yards from the current crossing, which is accessed via a gate.

Network Rail padlocked the gate soon after announcing their intention last year to do away with the crossing.

The inquiry is open to anyone who has made a representation, or raised an objection to the proposal.