SPECIALISTS have been called in to repair a stretch of Hadrian’s Wall damaged by walkers.
The National Trust has been forced to shore up a crumbling 25-yard stretch near Steel Rigg, where hikers have been tempted away from the official trail to set foot on the World Heritage Site.
Mike Collins, Historic England’s inspector of ancient monuments, this week pleaded with visitors to walk alongside the Wall, rather than on it.
He said: “We are grateful to the National Trust for undertaking the repairs. Sadly this repair only became necessary because of the damage caused by visitors walking on the Wall, despite the signs that warn of the damage that this causes.
“We would urge visitors to play their part in conserving this World Heritage Site, helping us to ensure that this amazing monument remains in good repair for future generations to enjoy.”
Haltwhistle stonemason Gary Simpson, who has worked on Hadrian‘s Wall previously, arrived at Steel Rigg on Wednesday with his team.
Two years ago, specialist maintenance work had to be carried out on a three mile stretch between Housesteads Roman Fort and Steel Rigg, as well as Great Chesters, near Greenhead, and Burtholme, near Lanercost Priory.
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