CONCERNS have been raised over the safety of a Haltwhistle footpath.

Town councillors are worried someone could be injured on the path in front of Eden’s Lawn in the town. The path is uneven and the walls either side have been damaged as a result.

The issue was raised at Haltwhistle Town Council’s latest meeting. Councillors said that there were concerns about the state of the path and the wall.

However, since neither the town council or the county council are landowners, there is little that can be done other than warning residents of the dangers.

Coun. John Elliot said: “It’s an accident waiting to happen. If that wall falls down people will say that the council knew about it.

“Do we have a duty of care to say something dangerous could happen? We have a responsibility to the people of Haltwhistle.”

County councillor Ian Hutchinson, who represents Haltwhistle, said: “I’ve had the footpaths officer out. He said it’s not really serious, but it’s there and we know about it.

“It’s a really grey area. It’s not just the footpath falling away it’s the walls. It’s not the county council’s responsibility it’s the landowner’s.”

It was suggested that the council write notices to make people aware of the issue, but chairman Coun. Alan Sharp said they would have to take legal advice in case such an action would make the council liable.