A FOOTBRIDGE which takes visitors along the Wye from Dixton Church has been closed for public safety reasons.

The bridge which takes the Wye Valley Walk over the Malley Brook, not far from Monmouth, heading towards Symonds Yat has been closed off as the bridge has become unsafe for public use.

A Monmouthshire County Council spokesperson said: “A decision has been taken to close the right of way footbridge over Malley Brook following flooding at the weekend. It is one of a number of bridges and paths damaged by the high water levels and is currently deemed unsafe for the public to use. The council is currently assessing the damage and is exploring options to reopen the footpath. It will remain closed until further notice.”

The bridge looks to be dislodged from its foundations. There is no convenient way to navigate around the closed bridge without heading back to Monmouth and walking along the river from the other side. The Malley Brook is one of the streams which feed into the Wye.

However, in the aftermath of the high Wye waters, this stretch of the Wye Valley Walk may not be particularly appealing to many people as much of the path and the land the around it is saturated with floodwater. While the route up to the bridge is traversable, it is slippery and muddy.