A BRIDLEWAY in west Dorset has been closed due to water damage.

The public bridleway just off the A356 has been temporarily shut due to 'health and safety reasons'.

Dorset Council says a temporary closure order is in place for the  W44/47, Thorncombe.

All pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists will be prohibited from proceeding along Public Bridleway W44/47 from grid reference ST 352 022 to grid reference ST 350 020, a distance of approximately 305 metres.

The order is needed in order to comply with health and safety regulations, which require the provision of safe areas and to minimise the likelihood of danger to highway users.

The order says: "This closure is required for health and safety reasons due to water damage to the surface.

"On this occasion there is no suitable alternative route."

For more information about the works, contact Stuart Semple on 01305 224923 and for further information about Rights of Way matters, call the Environment and Greenspace Ranger Service on 01305 221000.