A WEYMOUTH beauty spot will receive a potentially life-saving £100,000 facelift.

Councillors have agreed to pay for stabilisation and repair works on the footpath running from Wyke Road to the Rodwell Trail, after fears there could be a risk to life if there was a collapse.

The Wyke Road pathway to the Rodwell Trail was closed in early 2013 as there was evidence of ground movement and concern for public safety.

Following an investigation into the path there was found to be cracking and movement of the footpath and damage to the wing wall of the tunnel from a ‘historic movement of the ground behind’.

A report that went before councillors at Weymouth and Portland’s management committee stated that the wing wall is now at an imminent risk of failure.

It added that: “Failure of the embankment is likely to be catastrophic and would pose a risk to life were anyone to be using the upper footpath at the time it occurred.”

The footpath from Wyke Road will remain closed until stabilisation work is completed.

Councillors agreed to the stabilisation and repair works which total £100,000, including a £10,000 contingency. The budget will be partially funded from £60,000 from unused money allocated for infrastructure.

Residents and landowners will be informed prior to the works.

Chairman of the Friends of Rodwell Trail David Carter said the Rodwell Trail was a commuter route.

He said that he would like to see it kept open while repair works happened.

He added: “It’s quite essential.”