HEREFORD fishermen are calling for action to be taken on one city footpath after fears its lack of accessibility is keeping visitors – and TV cameras – away.

The Hereford and District Angling Association says the Wye Valley walk at Breinton – which leads to the River Wye – has become little more than a 'muddy track'.

It means anglers have to navigate the slippery track with all of their fishing gear and there are concerns that failure to install a proper footpath will result in Hereford losing some of its biggest sporting events.

Chris James, chairman of Hereford and District Angling Association, said: "Each year we have several big fishing competitions including the Sky Sports Angling Trust RiverFest finals – filmed over two days.

"These competitions bring a lot of people to Hereford – not only those who are angling but also those supporting their team members – and this brings a lot of revenue to the city as we are often responsible for many local B&Bs and restaurants being full.

"It's a massive thing for Hereford and we don't want to lose that but the anglers are saying they don't want to walk up there with their kit."

Mr James said he wants to meet with a representative from Herefordshire Council as well as Herefordshire Ramblers, the land owner, and Wye Valley Runners.

"It's got such a mess now that it's just basically mud," he said.

"We would like to see a proper footpath up there. We are not against making a reasonable contribution towards a good solution."

He added that the association has had a number of complaints that disabled people cannot access the area with a wheelchair due to the way two gates have been erected – blocking reasonable access.

"We want people to come back to fish our waters," he said.

Herefordshire Ramblers have also called for action on the walk as they claim it is hazardous, with walkers trapped on a slippery path between the river and a barbed wire fence.

In a statement, Balfour Beatty said any possible option to consider moving the footpath will have significant legal and cost implications and would need to be discussed with the landowner.

"There is no quick solution but we are considering what might be possible, making best use of the resources we have," the statement said.