THE property firm owned by footballer Garry Flitcroft is to hold a public meeting over its plans to close a footpath in the street where he grew up.

G and J Properties has sent letters to residents of Lower House Walk, Bromley Cross, who are campaigning to save the path, following an article in the Bolton Evening News.

The firm - run by Blackburn Rovers star Garry, his dad John and brother David - claims the alley is dangerous but residents deny this and say it is a vital route to nearby shops.

The path was closed temporarily while the firm renovated flats at the end of the path called 'Thomas Court', but it has now applied to the council for permanent closure.

Residents have gathered hundreds of signatures on a petition opposing the plan.

In the letter, G and J Properties writes: "We do feel sorry that in the middle area of Lower House Walk which is affected by the closure, these residents do have to walk a little further but is it not worth walking that extra distance rather than getting verbally abused and possibly attacked?

"We know we would not want our mother walking through the ginnel day or night."

The letter says that two tenants have given notice to leave following the opposition and they will be forced to take 'non-selective' tenants if they fail to fill the flats.

In a statement, the firm said: "By re-opening the ginnel it is likely to quickly revert to its previous condition encouraging crime, drug dealing and under-age drinking.

"If the building reverts to its previous state this will obviously have a detrimental effect on all the local residents and the value of their properties."

Joan Pearce, who lives on one side of the path, said: "We do not have problems with youths but if they are worried why don't they narrow the path or put a gate which can be locked at night?

"Walking all the way round is very inconvenient for pensioners and mums with pushchairs."

The Ramblers' Association has decided not to oppose the plan.

Jackie Roberts from the Bolton branch said: "From purely a rambling perspective we did not think the path made a significant difference and the reasons for closing it due to problems with youths seemed plausible."

The public meeting will take place at Cornerstone Baptist Church tonight at 6.30pm.