Footpaths shut as rain causes landslides in Garff

A section of the Raad ny Foillan footpath has been closed in Maughold

Two public footpaths in the east of the Isle of Man have been deemed impassable following landslides caused by recent heavy rainfall.

Issues have been reported in both Maughold and lower Laxey after record rainfall for an April day.

The Department of Infrastructure said the coastal trail from Port Lewaigue to Port E Vullen in Maughold was closed after the path was "washed away" leaving a "treacherous" 40ft (12m) drop.

Garff Commissioners said public rights of way in the area of Glen Road in Laxey had also been closed off due to a landslip.

People were asked to avoid the paths near to the Shore Hotel and Swales Warehouse.

Fire crews cordoned off an area of Glen Road in Laxey following a land slip

A spokesman for the local authority said it was seeking an emergency closure order for the footpath above the warehouse after an area at the side of the building was completely blocked with material that had come down from the hillside.

Fire crews called to the area, which was cordoned off and made safe on Tuesday evening.

The infrastructure department said the path in Maughold, which is part of the Raad ny Foillan coastal footpath, would be closed for an initial four weeks but for safety reasons the work could not begin until the weather conditions improved.

A project to extend the boardwalk in the area to resolve the issue would then be carried out.