News / St Philips Marsh
Fallen tree causes partial collapse of footpath into river
A tree that has fallen into the River Avon has caused a section of a popular riverside path to collapse.
The roots of the tree on one side of Sparke Evans Park close to the bridge appear to have reached underneath the footpath, meaning that when the tree fell into the river it took a chunk of the path with it.
The affected section of the path opposite Paintworks has been cordoned off while council workers decide if any other trees in the area are unsafe.
The collapse of the footpath in St Philip’s Marsh follows warnings by Friends of the New Cut of dire consequences for that stretch of water due to the “stubborn refusal” of Bristol City Council to take preventative action.
The River Avon footpath begins off Cattle Market Road near the former sorting office and runs parallel to the river until next to M&S Simply Food in Avonmeads close to the start of St Philip’s Causeway.
The tree fell from next to the footpath into the River Avon – photo: Martin Booth
A sign warns users of the path about the damage ahead – photo: Martin Booth
A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “Our officers are inspecting the damage caused by a large tree that has fallen across the riverside pathway.
“As well as planning its safe clearance and checking the status of other trees in this area, we will also assess and arrange the repairs to the nearby fencing and pathway.
“The area will be cordoned off in the meantime to ensure safety.”
The collapsed section of the path has been cordoned off – photo: Martin Booth
The tree fell into the River Avon – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: Bristol’s history through bridges
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