A path and cycleway along a disused railway line is set to reopen to the public after 15 years.

Campaigners have been working hard over the last 12 months to reopen the Martholme Viaduct in Great Harwood which had been used by local walkers for almost 40 years before being blocked due to the foot and mouth crisis.

The Grade II listed structure - and the surrounding area, which covers the whole of the old Great Harwood Loop railway track bed from the end of Padiham Greenway through Simonstone, Read and Great Harwood to Mill Lane - will now be open to the wider public this weekend.

Campaigners have called for it to be reopened permanently.

The viaduct which was built in the 1870s, was briefly opened last month so a group of walkers on a nature and photography trek could enjoy the views and learn about its history.

Members of the newly formed Martholme Greenway group and local volunteers from the civil engineering charity Sustrans will hold an open day on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

Volunteers have spent the last two Saturdays cutting trees, bushes and clearing paths to make sure people can access the viaduct safely and to protect the structure from root and vegetation damage.

John Barker, a local Sustrans volunteer, said: “The opening of the viaduct is a fantastic opportunity for our community to find out about the local history of the Grade II listed building and the railway, allowing people to get out and enjoy the countryside, and take a walk from the Mill Lane access point.

“Having a clean, tidy and attractive viaduct makes it so much more appealing for everyone – and our volunteer days are a great way to make a difference in the local community and meet more like-minded people.”

The Observer reported last year that more than 2,000 people had signed a petition calling for the path to reopen.

Barbara Sharples, acting secretary of the Martholme Greenway, said they are made up of other groups and organisations that have previously campaigned on a ‘stand-alone basis’. She described working with safe routes campaign group Sustrans as a ‘significant development’.

She said that they have been in ‘constant contact’ with officers at Lancashire County Council who have been ‘very supportive’.

Parking is limited on both Mill Lane and Martholme Lane and visitors are being asked to walk to the area.