Parse error: parse error, unexpected $

5678567856745754

It would be better if you posted the entire code, as the error probably won't appear in the code you've REMOVED, but I'll give it a shot

assuming you're trying to remove all three lines you've typed there, the problem is simple:
-the } is the end of a function or loop of the code above, removing it may (very likely) screw up the code above.
-the include can be safely removed, as long as you remove the entire line (up to and including the semicolon (';'). Also make sure the program doesn't count on the footer include to close any currently open situations.
-the ?> is the end of the PHP code, removing it will cause the rest of the page (probably normal HTML) to be interpreted as code, and is pretty certain to give you an error.

Hope this helps.

I think I've tried what yo mentioned and I cant see where the page requests the footer other than at the end. The code is too long to paste here..which parts would you need?
Thanks in advance

Post the code as a separate file if it is very long. You're unlikely to get very good answers without people being able to see the whole situation.

-KM-