Footpath closure in Ramsbottom to protect public safety

Bury Council has closed a public foothpath in the centre of Ramsbottom to protect the public from a wall that is in danger of collapsing.

Temporary traffic lights are being installed today (Friday 30 Jan) next to the retaining wall in Ramsbottom Lane and will remain in place while engineering work to shore up the wall is undertaken.

The wall, which is the responsibility of adjacent householders, overlooks the footpath. Engineers have found that the wall has many defects and could fall down.

The council has today delivered letters to the property owners, following a previous letter in October 2014, again pointing out the dangers and the need to act.

A council spokesman said: “The condition of the wall has now deteriorated to such an extent that we regard it as an imminent danger, and we are takingimmediate action to close off the footpath and surrounding area.

“Unfortunately, for public safety reasons, this will mean us installing temporary traffic lights on this stretch of Ramsbottom Lane and re-routing the pedestrian access. We will then take steps to shore up the wall.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but we needed to act immediately to protect the public.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 30 January 2015.