York's historic city walls to be partially closed for six weeks

Part of the walls between Micklegate Bar (pictured) and Station Rise will be closed for six weeks

Part of York's historic city walls have been closed for six weeks to allow for renovation work to be carried out.

The closure, between Micklegate Bar and Station Rise, will last until Friday 28 June, a council spokesperson said.

This stretch of the walls would be closed on weekdays but would stay open at weekends, they added.

The work will see a new retaining wall and rampart built following the removal of Queens Street Bridge as part of a major redevelopment of the area.

The bridge has been moved further away from the city walls so it is easier for taxis, buses and pedestrians to access the front of the city's railway station.

Visitors from around the world walk along York's historic city walls

It was originally built in 1877 to go over railway tracks, but they have since been removed.

The bridge also used to help keep the city walls in place, so it was now intended that the new retaining wall and rampart would do the job instead, according to City of York Council.

The council spokesperson said: "Access gates will be locked, and signs informing of the closure and how to rejoin the wall walk will be in place."

York's city walls were mainly built in the 13th Century and tourists from all over the world now come to walk along the elevated circular route around the city centre for free throughout the year.