Concerns over castle wall safety closes path

A footpath has been closed to the public after concerns were raised over part of a castle wall.

The Dana footpath, which runs next to Shrewsbury Castle and the town's railway station, will be closed until repairs could be carried out, Shropshire Council said.

"We have serious safety concerns about some of the crenellations – or battlements – on the castle and have therefore fenced off the Dana path to help protect the public," said David Walker, cabinet member for planning.

He added police were monitoring the area, as the area had previously been a hotspot for anti-social behaviour but said access would be maintained for some residents for emergency reasons.

"The path is owned by the Cove Group as part of the prison estate, but the council's priority is to restrict access to the area for safety reasons, until we can carry out the necessary repairs.

"Given the Castle's grade I listed status, the remedial repair works necessitate careful planning and execution."

He added that the authority was working with Historic England and contractors to do further assessments and coordinate ongoing repair efforts.

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