OFFICIALS last night moved to allay fears that an historic castle could be under threat after part of a footpath wall collapsed.

Councillors are calling for an extensive safety survey after the collapse at the foot of the medieval defence in Barnard Castle, County Durham.

They want to know how safe of an area of land directly below the castle's walls really is. And they are particularly concerned about the public footpath which runs alongside the ruined fortress, adjacent with the River Tees.

But local authority officials stressed last night that fears of subsidence were no threat to the castle itself, which stands on a rock outcrop above the river and gives the town part of its name.

Calls for a survey have been made by councillor Newton Wood, chairman of Teesdale council, and councillor John Watson, who said he regularly uses the footpath.

Support for a survey has also come from members of Barnard Castle Town Council, who will press officers at Durham County Council to carry one out.

Councillor Newton Wood said: "There is a clear need for a survey, which is the responsibility of the county council.

"I have been concerned about this area for some time, and regular checks have shown there is subsidence, which is obviously a worry and a problem that needs to be addressed."

Earlier this week, workmen from Teesdale council rebuilt the five-foot section of wall, which collapsed at the weekend.

Alf Wilkinson, Teesdale council's technical and contract manager, said it was unclear whether the wall had fallen away or had been pushed.

He said: "The county council has installed steel pins into the footpath, and there are two other walls between that wall and the river, and they are intact.

"The castle is on a large outcrop of rock so there is no danger of this moving."