A COUNCIL footpath is being diverted after an eroded riverbank collapsed into the water.
Since last November's floods the bank of the River Wear, at Chester-le-Street, has been steadily crumbling.
Numerous chunks of earth have come away from the bank that runs next to the Riverside Walk, and the concrete path is teetering on the river edge.
To avoid walkers tumbling into the river, Chester-le-Street District Council is diverting the path away from the water.
A council spokeswoman said: "The riverbank has been crumbling since the floods in November. We did have taped barriers, then a more substantial fence put up to keep people away from the edge.
"Now we are looking at plans to get money for a flood defence scheme along the Riverside.
"In the meantime, we think the best option is to divert the path away from the river."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article