A rickety canalside walkway is being replaced this week, close to Stroud District Council's offices in Ebley.

The existing concrete bridge section of the walkway, on the south side of the Stroudwater Navigation Canal, has seen increasing footfall in recent years given amenity improvements and housing developments to the area. 

The work is expected to take around five days, with the existing section of route being replaced by a crane that will drop in the new, metal structure - making a five-day closure necessary.

A spokesman for the County Council said: "The current narrow bridge is well used and temporary repairs have needed to be carried out to its deteriorating surface."

Pedestrians using the area will see the benefit of a widened walkway, the council said, the current 1.2m width being expanded to two 2.0m. Cainscross Parish Council has allowed the county council access through the Queen Elizabeth Playing Fields.

"There will also be a gentle slope each side suitable for wheelchair and pushchair use."

Cllr Dom Morris, cabinet member for highways, said: "I'm delighted we will be replacing the narrow bridge with a new structure that is more suited to greater numbers of people using it. It's become increasingly popular and has required some temporary repairs, so I'm sure the new bridge will be welcomed by residents. I would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by its closure while this work is being carried out."

Local county councillor Cllr John Bloxsom added: "This bridge has been in a poor state and its replacement is welcome. It's a safe link between Dudbridge and Ebley along the canal towpath. There is an existing 'Pedestrians Have Priority' sign and I trust that, even with a wider bridge, all users will be considerate of the safety of others and be prepared to give and take as necessary."