A DISCHARGE of mine water on to a popular Durham footpath has been stemmed following intervention from the city's MP.

During the summer Gerry Steinberg called on the Coal Authority and Environment Agency to investigate the situation on the riverbanks path, near the city's cathedral.

The path is well-used by residents, visitors and students throughout the year.

Mr Steinberg was concerned that the ochre coloured water, which should have been going straight into the River Wear, could be polluted.

The Coal Authority has taken action to stop the discharge, but officials say that the water posed no threat to the environment.

Workmen found a blockage in the pipe that was preventing the water from going straight into the river.

Mr Steinberg said: "I am pleased that the situation has been rectified as there was an obvious problem with water being discharged in this area.

"Although I understand that the discharge did not constitute a pollution risk, I have been advised that engineering works have been carried out and a new pipe system has been installed.

"The footpath and surrounding area have also been reinstated in full, and can once again be enjoyed by residents and visitors.''

A Coal Authority spokesman said: "It was reported to us and we spoke to the Environment Agency.

"Our people went down there and found there was a blockage in the pipe. They cleaned it out and replaced a bit of the pipe.

"There was no risk to the environment.

"The pipe has been there a long time. We didn't even know it was there until it was reported to us."

The spokesman said that the problem was unconnected with plans to change the pumping of mine water in the county.

Earlier this year, the Coal Authority announced the proposals as a way of reducing the £1m bill it spends on pumping.

The measures include reducing the amount of pumping west of the River Wear and discharging water, which it says is reasonably clean, into the river at Page Bank, near Spennymoor.

No one was available for comment at the Environment Agency yesterday