The recommendations for the route of the proposed New River footpath through Enfield have been finalised.

They follows a major public consultation scheme about the plans carried out by Enfield Council's New River Panel.

The panel was set up following fears about crime and safety expressed by residents in properties backing on to the proposed walkway.

They were concerned it would allow criminals to break into houses and make their escape along the path unseen.

Councillors listened to views from all sides at a series of public meetings over the past months.

Enfield Council's policy committee will discuss the recommendations before they are passed to Thames Water Utilities (TWU) which will maintain the footpath.

TWU, which will take the final decisions on the route, is responsible for safety on the path.

It has promised to carry out a full safety audit of the entire route before it opens to the public.

The recommended changes to the original route have now been made including removing a section of path south of Carterhatch Lane, Enfield.

An alternative route passing through Forty Hall Country Park has now been put forward.

There are also proposed diversions between Enfield Town and Bush Hill Park, and in Barrowell Green to avoid back gardens of houses.

Panel chairwoman Cllr Betty Costello said: "We contacted everyone living near the proposed footpath.

"Many well-known groups supported the plan including the New River Action Group and Enfield Preservation Society.

"But we have listened to people's concerns."~

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.