CALSTOCK'S historic Kelly Steps which have been used by local people as a shortcut to the riverside from the main road into the village since 'time immemorial' have been closed by the owners over health and safety fears.

Keith and Claire Pascoe said it was 'with a heavy heart' that they took the action but they could not afford the public liability insurance needed to protect them against any litigation should someone have an accident.

They have approached Cornwall Council to ask if the authority can adopt the steps as a public footpath, a move which is being backed wholeheartedly by Calstock Parish Council.

The steep steps down to Lower Kelly came with the property the couple bought alongside a year ago and although they were advised by a solicitor to close them at the time they said they have tried everything to keep them open because they know how important they are to the village.

Mrs Pascoe said: 'A few years ago Cornwall Council was in the process of taking on the steps but the owner at the time pulled out.

'We have had correspondence with the council which told us it would take a lot of work to get the steps up to current building standards. We have also given a presentation to the parish council which is trying to help us.

'It's all about risk assessments and public liability and everyone we have spoken to has advised us to close the steps.

'Years ago this would not have been a problem but we live in a litigious society now.

'It's with a heavy heart we have done this because these steps are historic.

'We have put a notice up asking people if they have any concerns to contact Cornwall Council, hoping that if enough people complain it might do something about it.'

Parish councillor Ian Kirk said it would be easy enough for Cornwall Council to adopt the steps as a public footpath and maintain them.

'These steps have been there since time immemorial almost and the public have always used them, although they are not suitable for the elderly and you cannot get a pushchair down there.

'You cannot expect a private landlord to maintain them, especially with the current regulations.

'I quite understand why the owners have closed them, they are entitled to at any time if they are not safe, I would have done exactly the same thing.

'We need to get Cornwall Council back on board again and this starts with the parish council. I think most of the people in Calstock would be sorry to lose this quaint little footpath.'