As you can see from the map below, a footpath known as the Gurnell to Greenford greenway runs parallel to Ruislip Road, and adjacent to the river Brent. At the spot marked with a red arrow, the footpath is very close to the near-vertical bank of the river, which flows perhaps 3-5m below the level of the path. This bank has become increasingly unstable over the years, possibly because of the occasional flood waters that roar down the Brent when the sluice gates are released from the Welsh Harp reservoir at times of heavy rains.
Perhaps as a prelude to shoring up the bank, the footpath is now being diverted down to Ruislip Road with steps, to by-pass this unstable section.
As of today however, the footpath remains walkable. I will endeavour to find out if the intention is to re-open this part of the footpath in the future, or whether to close that section permanently.
Glad to say that the Council now has the funds to shore up the eroding bank at this point on the river. The path closure is a temporary measure while the work is done.
The dangerous section of the Gurnell to Greenford footpath has now been fenced off to prevent pedestrian and bicycle through-traffic. Steps have been built at either side.
A further fence will now be added to prevent people climbing on to the path along the cliff from the bus stop area.