MORE than a kilometre of towpath on the Kennet and Avon Canal has been closed so urgent repairs can take place.

A total of 1,200m of the towpath, by the Whaddon Lane bridge in Hilperton, has been closed so that the crumbling path can be repaired.

Wiltshire Council and the Canal and River Trust say that the work is taking place on the west side of the bridge, which is closer to Marsh Road in Hilperton. That stretch of the towpath is closed until further notice.

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “We are working together to ensure the repairs are carried out as soon as possible, and we apologise for any inconvenience and disruption caused while these essential works take place.

“There is a bridleway on the other bank of the canal and a footpath connecting that back to the canal, so we encourage people to use this.