URGENT action is being called over a hardboard wall which runs alongside a well-used footpath.

The wall consists of a series of hardboard panels, supported in some places by planks of wood angled to the unadopted path.

The path is at the rear of Middlewich Road in Rudheath, and links Liverpool Street to Griffiths Park.

Alison Gerrard, chairman of Rudheath Parish Council and a member of Northwich Town Council, says the wall needs to be made safe.

She says residents share her concern about the safety of the wall, and believes urgent action is required.

She raised the issue with both councils, and contacted Cheshire West and Chester Council, which resulted in a meeting with councillors and Chester West officers at the site to see the condition of the wall.

“The path is quite well used, and a lot of people use it to walk their dogs or as a shortcut to the Co-op,” said Cllr Gerrard.

“I reported it to Cheshire West in April, and they went out to have a look at it and thought it was safe.

“People from Rudheath and Northwich are concerned because they feel the wall is unsafe, and my concern is if it should fall over.

“I don’t want anyone to be injured, and want the wall to be made 100 per cent safe.”

Councillor Brian Clarke, Cheshire West Cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, said: “Council officers attended a site meeting with key partners in Rudheath on July 5 regarding concerns about a fence at the rear of Middlewich Road.

“This was to look at the issues, as well as issues of land ownership, and to work on developing a way forward.

“Officers are now liaising with the Environment Agency to see what can be done and in what timescale.”

Northwich Town Council clerk Chris Shaw said: “The town council has responded to safety concerns from members of the public regarding a fence along this route.

“We have contacted Cheshire West and Chester Council, who will be looking into this further on our behalf.”