A section of Blackhead Path leading from the Whitehead carpark in Co Antrim has been shut due to safety concerns.

Residents are being urged to avoid the section of path after experts informed the council that the condition of the pathway posed a danger to members of the public.

In the last year, the path has moved 30cms and 17cms in the last month. Large cracks along the path wall have also been identified, which the council says indicates structural failure of the concrete wall and possible collapse.

A spokesperson said: "The health and safety of our residents and visitors to our borough is paramount.

-- Advertisement --

"We take no chances whatsoever when it comes to people's safety and wellbeing, and we have immediately closed access to this section of the path as a result. We understand and appreciate that this will be frustrating for those who enjoy this outstanding coastal path.

"We are extremely keen to reopen the path so it can be enjoyed by our local community and tourists, but given the seriousness of the situation we must act in the appropriate way to protect life and ensure safety.

"We will be continuing to work closely with residents and the local community, including Blackhead Path Preservation Society, until this situation is rectified."

The spokesman added "substantial funding" has already been set aside by the local authority for major investment works at Blackhead Path.

"Council is currently engaged with a project team to design and oversee those remedial works," the spokesperson said.

"Investigations on the scale of this work and the repairs needed began earlier this year, with plans to resolve the issue being put together over the coming months.

"Work timescales are weather-dependent, however, Council is moving this project forward and is committed to completing this as soon as possible."

(LM)