Protestors are objecting to plans for a footpath through Cumbria which could be come part of the longest coastal path in the world.

Proposals are in place to create a 62-mile route between Gretna and Allonby - but fears have been raised about flooding, tides and quicksand.

Natural England (NE) wants to create the lengthy route, which would become part of England Coast Path, and last year published its proposals.

It also launched an eight-week consultation for people to have their say.

Now the public are being asked to make representations on nine specific objections, and Natural England's comments on those objections, to the Government's Planning Inspector.

The inspector will then decide what further steps are needed to decide if Natural England has struck a fair balance in creating the route.

Objections included concerns about safety due to coastal flooding, high and fast flowing tides and areas of quicksand, as well as the affect on livestock and wildlife from increased footfall in particular areas.

Natural England has commented on all the objections.

One notice regarding the objections states: "NE believes that while there is a potential risk that walkers may encounter rising tides, it should be possible to retreat to higher ground from any part of the proposed route and it should be possible to negotiate intervening drains."

Elsewhere NE agrees that the proposed main routes will periodically be affected by flooding but that an optional alternative route is provided for use when the main route is unavailable.

NE could not comment at this time - but it consulted with about 600 people with legal interests on the stretch of coastline last summer.

A total of 11 objections were lodged against the Gretna to Allonby report, of which 10 were deemed admissible by the appointed inspector.

A further 18 representations were received in relation to the same report, submitted to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

It would join to a 2,700 mile path around the entire English coastline, which is aiming to become the longest continuous walking route in the world.

It would also become a National Trail and its creation is expected to benefit the local economy.

Ian Stephens, managing director of Cumbria Tourism says: "The Allonby to Gretna coastal path will be a welcome addition to strengthen tourism in the north west of the county and encourage more visitors to explore Cumbria’s beautiful coastline.

"As this stretch takes in the Solway Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a fascinating part of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, it is destined to be very popular.

"With the Whitehaven to Allonby section of path already open and the Silecroft to Whitehaven stretch set to open this summer, these developments will result in over 115 miles of continuous coastline for visitors to enjoy in a way that was previously unavailable.

"The coastal path will boost visitor numbers and strengthen existing and provide opportunities for new tourism businesses, all of which will positively contribute to the further growth of Cumbria’s £2.72billion tourism economy."

People have until July 17 to comment on the proposals.

The report and a map indicating the proposed route can be found online at www.gov.uk/government/consultations/england-coast-path-from-gretna-to-allonby-comment-on-proposals .

They can also be viewed at Campfield Marsh visitor centre, Carlisle Library, Silloth Discovery Centre, Kirkbride Post Office and Longtown Library.