CONCERNS over the ongoing maintenance of the Grade II listed St Michael’s Well in Longtown have been mooted.

Karen Johnson, parish clerk, raised the issued at an Arthuret Parish Council meeting earlier this month after former resident, Hazel Thomlinson, wrote to the council to say the pathways leading to the site would be “unsafe” if foliage was not regularly cut back.

The tourist attraction is located behind St Michael’s and All Angels Church, Ainstable.

Funds were previously made available for the restoration of the stonework.

Historic England describe it as a “holy well, probably early 17 Century”.

Mrs Johnson read out Miss Thomlinson's letter.

Miss Thomlinson, who was in the parochial church council before she left the area, wrote: “We are concerned about the upkeep of the enclosed area and we were wondering if there is sufficient funds to allow the vegetation to be cut back over the summer months.

“They tend to obscure the pathways leading to the well and render them unsafe.

“As St Michael’s Well is listed as a heritage site I realise that the well has the potential to be visited on a regular basis.

“I was wondering if funds could be available for regular trimming of the grass.”

Mrs Johnson continued: “When we put out the contract to reinstate the well we had a small amount of money put aside for maintenance.

“I’m still waiting on confirmation on how much work that would be within the funding available but I do think we need to try keep the well maintained.”