Key footpath linking Hotwells and Cliftonwood to reopen this summer

A key pedestrian route linking Hotwells and Cliftonwood is set to reopen this summer.

Work is set to start in June to reopen the Mardyke Steps which connect Hotwell Road and the corner of Cliftonwood Terrace and Church Lane.

The steps, also known as the Church Path Steps, were closed in January 2020 after a wall collapsed close to the top of the path.

Since then much of the path has become overgrown as discussions have been ongoing over who should pay for the repairs.

The footpath has been closed since January 2020 – photo: Betty Woolerton

The cost of repairing the wall will be paid for by the council and the owner of the wall, Robert Hancock, who is also the owner of the Mardyke pub, next door.

A statement on Bristol City Council’s website said: “Discussions have been ongoing about the urgent need to repair the wall.

“While a long-term solution is worked on, the council is taking action to reopen the steps by August.

“As a temporary measure, galvanised steel palisade fencing will be installed along the section of the steps where the wall has failed. While this will reduce the width of the steps to 1.2 meters, it will mean the path can reopen to pedestrians this summer.

“Preparation work will also include cleaning the double gully drainage system at the top of the steps, to prevent water overflowing down them during heavy rainfall.

With the path closed, plants have grown from between the cracks in the concrete – photo: Betty Woolerton

“A structural surveyor has approved the plans, and the wall and steps will be monitored each week to make sure the area does not deteriorate further. If the path becomes unstable, it will need to close again.”

Cabinet member for transport, Don Alexander, said: “I am pleased work is going ahead that will allow us to reopen the steps while we continue discussions on a permanent solution.

“Our ambition is to repair and stabilise the retaining wall and ultimately fully reopen the pathway.”

Green councillor for Hotwells, Patrick McAllister, praised Clifton Green councillors for their role in pushing for the path to be repaired.

“I am incredibly pleased to see the news that the Mardyke Steps will be reopening by August,” he said.

“The steps are a vital route for walkers between Clifton and Hotwell Road, and their reopening will benefit the entire community and local economy in the Hotwells & Cliftonwood area.

“A huge amount of credit must go to the Green’s Clifton councillors Katy Grant and Paula O’Rourke for their tireless campaigning on this issue.

Ongoing discussions over who should pay for the repairs has led to severe delays in reopening the path – photo: Betty Woolerton

“It is of course frustrating that the steps have been closed for so long,” he added.

“The Mardyke Steps are a perfect example of the false economy of austerity: not being able to pay for maintenance and upkeep just means more disruption and a bigger bill down the line.

“Katy, Paula and I will continue to scrutinise the situation and ensure that the repairs are carried out responsibly and effectively by the Council.”

Speaking on behalf of the Clifton Green councillors, Paula O’Rourke said she was glad Labour had finally taken action, but questioned why the path remained blocked to residents for so long.

“As councillors for Clifton, Katy and I have been pushing for a safe re-opening of the steps for the past three years – having escalated the issue all the way to the Mayor’s office, we are really glad the administration is finally taking action.

“However, given nothing has changed, we would question why residents were blocked from using the path for several years in the first place.

“This route is really important to the local community and an important part of our shift towards a more pedestrian-friendly city.

“Now it is open, we will keep up the pressure for a permanent solution, to fix drainage problems on Church Lane and fund the long-term repair of the steps.”

Main photo: Betty Woolerton

Read next:

• The ongoing saga of the Mardyke steps
• Plans welcomed to pedestrianise street linking Gloucester road and nearby park
• ‘More annoyance to come’ as other bridges need repairs after Gaol Ferry

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