AN investigation has been launched after thieves left a popular public path in ruins.

The 50 Steps footpath – which connects West View Grove, in Whitefield, to Stand Lane, in Radcliffe – has been targeted by vandals attempting to steal its flagstones.

Council officials have now closed the landmark walkway, which runs behind Stand Lane Golf Course and is well used by dog walkers and schoolchildren, because of the danger to the public.

Roland Hill, of Nipper Lane, discovered the damage while walking his dog along the path and reported it to Bury Council.

He said: “It was in a terrible state when we found it. We often use the path when we are walking our dogs and I know it’s usually busy because it’s a fair shortcut between Radcliffe and Whitefield.

“It’s a real shame that it’s in such a bad way, not just with the stones being taken but also with the rubbish that gets left around there.”

Councillor Tony Isherwood, cabinet member for environment, said: "Following a query raised by a member of the public, we have visited the site and have discovered that these paving stones have been stolen.

“We have informed the police, and would urge anyone who has information about this theft to contact them.

“Unfortunately, we are having to put an emergency closure in place because the path is unsafe due to the theft of the stones. Yet again the vast majority of people are having to pay for the irresponsible actions of a few.”

Nearby residents reported that the path had been deteriorating for years, with wildlife overgrown and the area littered with empty beer cans.

Janice Maddocks, of West View Grove, said: “We have heard of there being some trouble up there sometimes, and with vandals around the golf course too.

“I know it’s a busy path and gets used a lot by walkers and by kids on their way to school.

“I have been here 30 years and we used to walk along there quite a lot but it got really overgrown and mucky so we don’t anymore. There’s lots of rubbish up there and it smells of urine and alcohol.

“It’s a shame vandals have decided to target it but it has been getting worse over the years.”

Neighbour John Tomlinson added: “I’ve used the path now and again but not that often.

“It’s quite heavily used though, especially by dog walkers, and I always see the same faces going up and down.

“Nobody has told us about it being vandalised, but I have noticed the last few times I have been up there that it’s been in a bad state with empty beer cans and other rubbish.”