A footpath overlooking Pembroke’s historic castle has been closed on health and safety grounds after a landslip, with residents warned to stay away from the closed area after a member of the public had to receive medical treatment.

A Pembrokeshire County Council statement on the footpath closure from the town’s Corn Store to Rocky Park, has been shared by Pembroke county councillor Jonathan Grimes after receiving concerns from residents about the landslide on the north bank of Castle Pond.

“Given the most recent slippage of land from areas directly above the footpath, including damage/failure of a street light column, we have unfortunately had to place a closure on the effected section of footpath on the grounds of health and safety concerns and increased risk(s) associated with the landslide event.

“Effected areas have been made safe (power isolated to the column), but given the popularity of the footpath and high levels of footfall no other decision could be made other than closure.

“Again, unfortunately, members of the public have removed temporary barriers and appropriate signage and continued to traverse the area of slippage, which in turn has led to an accident occurring with a member of the public falling over the street light column and having to receive medical treatment in A&E.

“Efforts have been made earlier today to provide a more robust set of measures to prevent access to the north bank of the Castle Pond, until further investigations can be commissioned in relation to the areas of slippage and potential solutions toward remediation of the bank.

“We will make every effort to keep you updated with progress.”

Local ward member, and council leader, Cllr Jon Harvey said: “The closure has been made again on the grounds of health and safety and increased risk to members of the public due to the landslip.

“Officers are continuing to work on a solution to remediate following the landslip, although I understand that this is being complicated by land ownership issues.”

Cllr Harvey later added the initial closure had taken place after recent heavy rains and storms, with barrier inplace until a bank adjoining the path is stabilised.

He said discussions had been taking place with nearby landowner Ateb which had had structural engineers looking at the situation.

Cllr Harvey also said the residents of nearby shelted accomodation Croft Court had raised their concerns, with a meeting due to take place with them.

He said that, while the closure was inconvenient for residents, “public safety is all important.”

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority said: “At this location the Park Authority is responsible for providing directional signage to enable Coast Path walkers to follow the route of the Coast Path.  Following a landslip, we have provided temporary signage on site to guide Coast Path walkers along an alternative route.”

Pembrokeshire County Council added: “A recent landslip above the footpath has resulted in a damaged streetlight which then required the closure of the affected footpath. Power to the damaged streetlight column has been isolated and the area made safe.

“Despite the closure of the path, some members of the public have removed barriers and signage. Therefore, stronger measures have now been put in place to prevent access to the north bank of the Castle Pond while investigations and remediation options are pursued to address the landslide by the landowner.

“Further updates will be provided as work progresses and timelines are known.”