SEVERE water erosion to a bridge at the Isle of Wight Crematorium means its remembrance area is no longer accessible.  

Bridge number one has been declared unsafe, the Isle of Wight Council has revealed, and will remain closed until the issue is resolved in the new year.

It means the remembrance area beyond the bridge is now inaccessible, and anyone affected by this is urged to call 882288.

Concerns about flooding in the area have been raised in the past.

“You are welcome to lay Christmas wreaths in the Gardens of Remembrance at the crematorium and in council-owned cemeteries,” said a spokesperson for the local authority.

“These will be taken away during the week of January 8.”

Work to remove a handful of unsafe trees at the crematorium, meanwhile, has been completed.

Most of the Woodland Walk is now expected to be open in time for Christmas.