A PUBLIC footpath in Christchurch is set to be closed for more than six months while a bridge that has fallen into disrepair is replaced.

Dorset County Council (DCC) decided the footpath along the River Avon, off Beaconsfield Road, should be shut following an inspection last month, which revealed the bridge was showing signs of rot.

The footpath will be closed on Thursday, February 22, for a period of 26 weeks, and is set to re-open by Tuesday, August 21.

During that time, the bridge will be replaced with a new structure.

A spokesperson for DCC said: "The first public report of the bridge (part of Footpath 62) being in disrepair was on August 2 last year. During the first inspection the decision was taken to not close the footpath as the width of the bridge is more than the specification required for a public footpath.

"Instead, hazard warning tape was used to highlight damaged/missing handrail and the fact that users should take extra care.

"On a later inspection at the beginning of January, the decision was taken to close the route as the decking was also starting to show signs of rot."

They added: "Exact timing of the replacement is hard to say – it depends upon ground conditions being suitable for contractors to get access to the bridge."

There will be no formal alternative route while the footpath is closed due to the surrounding watercourses.