A BUSY footpath in Bradford on Avon has been closed while Highways staff try to make it safe for public use. The Wellpath, running through Newtown, will be closed until August.

A retaining wall on the path is in danger of collapse and a tunnel underneath the path, thought to lead to the historic Ladywell, is causing concern with highways staff.

There are other paths running up through Newtown but none are easily accessible for people with prams.

David Weston, principal bridge engineer with Wiltshire County Council highways department, said: "We are not ignoring this path but have to think about the best way to restore it. There is a tunnel or archway under the path which I think leads to Ladywell and that means it has local historical significance."

Mr Weston said he was concerned the leaning retaining wall could fall and injure someone or trip someone up in the dark if it fell down.