A riverbank footpath in Somerset has been partially closed after it was washed away during heavy rain. High water levels in recent weeks have caused the partial erosion of the riverbank in Batheaston, forcing its closure on safety grounds.
An inspection of the footpath was carried out earlier this month, with the section near the Toll Bridge to the car park on London Road East being closed with immediate effect. Temporary barriers have been put in place.
Bath and North East Somerset Council anticipates the initial closure will remain in place for up to six months. Those using the footpath, which runs adjacent to the River Avon, can follow a short diversion route along London Road West and High Street to re-join the footpath from the car park on London Road East.
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Bath and North East Somerset cabinet member for transport Councillor Manda Rigby said: “Our highways contractor will start repairs as quickly as possible once we have permission from the Environment Agency to do so. We’ve had reports of people ignoring this closure and removing our barriers to continue along the path and I’d urge the public to please stay safe and follow the short diversion route.”
The council maintains 877km of Public Right of Way in Bath & North East Somerset and carried out repair works to smaller areas of erosion on nearby riverbanks earlier this year.