By Andrew Clarke

Published at 11:33, Thursday, 20 December 2012

PEOPLE are being warned to stay away from the closed footpath at the site of the former Saltom Pit at Kells, following repeated safety concerns.

The footpath has been closed for safety reasons for the past year, due to continuing slippage of the footpath, causing dangerous cracks and holes within the footpath itself, and the risk of further slippage in the area, including on to the footpath.

Although the footpath has been fenced off by Copeland Council, there continues to be signs that people are still using the pathway.

Pat Graham, Copeland’s director of services, said: “Once again, I would strongly urge people, to stay away from the Saltom Pit access footpath, which is not safe.

“There is a real risk to the safety of people and their pets, and this is why the pathway has been fenced off. Unfortunately, people are still using it despite repeated warning that they should stay away.”

Copeland Council is undertaking a monitoring regime where the site is inspected and the stability of the ground is continually assessed and ground movement monitored.

Significant movement over the past 12 months has been recorded, reinforcing the council’s decision to ensure that the path and access to the area remains closed.

This slippage and movement of former colliery spoil will continue for some time making it unpredictable and unsafe.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk