A FOOTPATH has been closed for months over environmental concerns as a river blockage resting against a footbridge was labelled "an established part of the surrounding habitat".

Councillor Roger Phillips said he and his neighbours in his ward of Staunton-on-Arrow want Herefordshire Council to sort out the blockage that was caught by the Gigg footbridge last winter in the river Arrow.

The force of the water flow has trapped timber against the bridge, causing damage to the ironwork, but the blockage has still not been removed because of the wildlife.

Hereford Times: Councillor Roger Phillips at the Gigg footpath bridge which has been closed since February Councillor Roger Phillips at the Gigg footpath bridge which has been closed since February

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The site is also next to an eroded section of the riverbank protecting the main highway into the village, and more timber could rupture the stone cages protecting the highway, he said.

Herefordshire Council has closed the footpath that runs along the river.

Hereford Times: The timber blocked underneath the Gigg footbridge in Staunton on ArrowThe timber blocked underneath the Gigg footbridge in Staunton on Arrow

A sign reads it is an emergency highway closure and it will be in force for a maximum for 21 days, there is also no alternative route.

But the notice is dated February 24.

Hereford Times: Coun Roger Phillips on the riverbank near the footpath bridge which has been closed due to the build up of wood debris. Coun Roger Phillips on the riverbank near the footpath bridge which has been closed due to the build up of wood debris.

A Herefordshire Council spokesperson previously said: "The footbridge has been closed for safety reasons following a timber blockage in the watercourse below.

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Hereford Times: Wood debris piled up underneath the footpath bridge in Staunton on ArrowWood debris piled up underneath the footpath bridge in Staunton on Arrow

Hereford Times: Wood debris piled up underneath the footpath bridgeWood debris piled up underneath the footpath bridge

"The timber has become an established part of the surrounding habitat which is home to a range of species.

"We are currently working with ecologists to carry out surveys and establish the scope of the works required to safely remove the blockage."