TAKING a trip down memory lane is becoming a worrying reality for nostalgia buff Bob Harbron.

The amateur historian has cancelled his guided walks for adults around Stockton's town centre after people in groups he was escorting tripped over uneven and broken pavings.

Pensioner Bob took the step after one person stumbled and another was only saved from falling by a friend on different historical town walks.

"It is very disappointing but they have had to go by the board,'' said Bob. "I am not covered by insurance or anything like that if anybody fell on one of my walks. I don't want to be responsible for someone injuring themselves. I can't risk it.''

Bob, who has shown groups of 40 and 50 adults around and behind the High Street, said: "Most of what I point out is above eye level, like Georgian windows or ornate masonry. People cannot look above them and, at the same time, walk on uneven and unsafe stonework. It is a sad state of affairs, but I will not risk older people, who are not as nimble as perhaps they used to be, injuring themselves.

"Stopping the walks is detrimental to the people who want to come and see Stockton. It is very disappointing for those older people who remember how Stockton used to be.''

Bob still acts as guide to school groups which have their own insurance cover and, he said, youngsters are more nimble on their feet.

A Stockton Borough Council spokesman said: "We are aware of the importance of maintaining pavings and highways in a safe and sound condition; indeed, we have a statutory duty to do so. We inspect footpaths in the town centre areas every month to identify work or damaged pavings.

"However, damage can occur any time of the day or night and so information from local people also plays a vital role in helping us keep the streets safe.

"Every report of damage is followed up with an inspection and whatever remedial action is necessary to keep things safe.''

To report a damaged paving telephone (01642) 391939.