Restrictions on access to the Bude Canal Towpath will remain in place whilst engineering works are completed.

The canal towpath between the Crescent car park and Truscott's Bridge was open by the Christmas break but ongoing work between Truscott's Bridge and Rodd's Bridge means this part of the path has remained closed.

Due to the collapse of part of the canal embankment in the autumn, a significant section of bank side reinforcement must be completed, which had not been included in the original programme of work. This part of the footpath is likely to remain closed until mid February.

In addition, the footpath between Rodd's Bridge and Whalesborough will also have to remain closed for the time being whilst works to complete the canal restoration continue. Again, an unforeseen collapse of one of the Whalesborough accommodation bridge abutments has required more intensive engineering works than programmed for.

Charlie David, North Cornwall District Council Public Space Manager, said: "Whilst the works on the path up to Whalesborough from Rodd's Bridge have been completed, there is no option to go around the ongoing work area at Whalesborough.

"As the area around the accommodation bridge remains a construction site our obligations towards the public require we comply with Health and Safety regulations and this means we can't provide access along the towpath at present.

"We do apologise for the continued need to restrict access, but we have encountered some particularly difficult areas of work we had not reckoned on at the beginning of the project. It is our intention to complete the works as soon as we possibly can and we will provide another update at the end of January."

Neil Burden, Chairman of the Bude Canal Regeneration Project, said: "The members and officers at NCDC are aware of the urgency in reopening all the favourite areas of the barge canal, when a full appreciation can be realised in the delivery of this ambitious project.

"The completion of these extra unforeseen works will be carried out as speedily as possible and we thank you all for your forbearance as the project nears completion."