POT-holes and an uneven, hazardous footpath around Dorchester's Millstream is an accident waiting to happen, complained members of a heritage meeting.

The much-needed overhaul of a key visitor attraction in the county town was highlighted at a meeting of the Dorchester Heritage Joint Committee.

Committee member Alistair Chisholm said that when he took tourists to one of the most attractive parts of town in his role as a blue badge guide, he often made a joke about it winning the most dangerous path award.' He said: "There should be signs up there telling people that there is hope for the future and work will eventually be done and to warn people to take care. Certain points are very dangerous and you could easily slip or twist an ankle."

Town mayor Councillor David Barrett said the walk was classed as a footpath and pavement and West Dorset District Council had a responsibility to ensure it was in a safe condition.

Town clerk and committee secretary Steve Newman said the work depended on how quickly a department to deal with land drainage, flooding and seascape protection could be formed at the district council. He said it was in the pipeline and the council would be advertising for staff, but added: "Realistic-ally there's not going to be an engineer able to help until April next year."

Chairman Andy Canning said the path was deteriorating rapidly but that it was more likely the district council would bury their heads in the sand rather than put up warning signs and admit liability. He said: "Even if we start in April it is possible to have work done by next year if the political will is behind us from West Dorset. I'm not giving up yet."