Morgan Glen path set to close to public

Dec 29 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

PART of a well-used footpath through a Larkhall beauty spot is set to close after part of it collapsed.

The 20-metre section of the track through Morgan Glen was damaged in the recent bad weather and has now been taped off for safety reasons.

South Lanarkshire Council officials say it is dangerous for walkers to use and will early in the new year investigate the extent of the damage and cost of repair.

Closure will be a blow to the families, ramblers and walking groups who use the path, which leads to the Applebank Inn, Millheugh.

It is likely to be closed for some weeks.

Friends of Morgan Glen have tidied up the area on several occasions, clearing burned-out cars dumped there.

This was followed in September, 2009, by Morgan Glen’s designation as a Nature Reserve.

The move was the first of its kind in the history of South Lanarkshire Council.

SNP councillor Peter Craig described Morgan Glen as a beautiful area to walk around and wants to see the path reopened to the public soon.

“I have been to have a look at the landslip on the path through Morgen Glen and the damage is covering about 20m of pathway,” he added.

“This is going to be a major task to stabilise the ground and restore the path, which will require lots of support from everyone.

“The footpath has been closed off just now to make sure there’s no further slippage.

“I am worried that if they shut it too long it will become out of use.

“The area was taped off but the tape was broken in the wind.

“I am worried about how stable the ground but obviously want to see the path open as soon as safety permits.”

A council spokesman said: “We are aware of the damage to the footpath.

“We have spoken to the Friends of Morgan Glen group and council staff will fence the area off as soon as possible.

“In the new year we will commission an engineer’s report to find out what work may need to be carried out.

“Unfortunately we cannot, at this stage, give a timescale for repairing this path but will work with the local community to try to find a solution.”