A LANDSLIDE in a park, which led to the closure of a riverside path, could cost up to £6m to repair.

High river levels on the River Irwell passing through Springwater Park in Whitefield caused by Storm Christoph in late January saw land slippage close to the waterway.

Previous landslip problems happened in the same area during Storm Ciara in February 2020.

Cllr Alan Quinn, Bury’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, said that consultants who examined the situation last year said it would cost £5m to £6m to solve the problem.

The riverside footpath to Sailor Brow, along with the entrance to the park on Radcliffe New Road, have been shut and fenced off as engineers assess the damage.

Nearby residents on Cromwell Road, whose properties back onto the park, have been written to by Bury Council updating them on the situation.

The letter, from executive director of operations, Donna Ball, said: “There was a landslip along the riverbank following storms Ciara and Dennis in February 2020.

“More recently high river levels caused by storm Christoph have caused further damage.

“The council has closed the footpath in the park to Sailor Brow.

“A robust temporary fenced closure and signs will be installed as well as daily inspections at the site.

“An electronic monitoring system will be installed in the next two months.”

Cllr Quinn, added: “We’ve been quoted by our consultants that it would cost £5m to £6m to rectify the problem.

“Whether we get this money from the government or not, the work has to go ahead, the safety of our residents is paramount

“The most recent landslide was caused by Storm Christoph, but this has been years in the making.

“It’s due to the more frequent extreme weather episodes we’ve seen over the past five years.

“Engineers will need to design a scheme and stabilise the bank.

“We’re going to send in electronic probes to monitor the movement of the land too.

“We are lobbying government for the funds and had a meeting with MP Christian Wakeford, who agreed to speak to the floods minister.”

In 2020 the council commissioned civil engineering firm Atkins to investigate the affected area and assess the current and long term situation.

The council is planning an online meeting with nearby residents and has asked them for images and video of how they have been affected.