Hadrian’s Wall is deteriorating so fast that parts of it need to be closed off to the public, according to a new report by Professor Peter Fowler, an archaeologist and UNESCO World Heritage consultant.

Fowler has called for urgent action by English Heritage and The Countryside Agency. He recommends that sections of the 73-mile frontier need immediate protection, perhaps by restricting the number of walkers – particularly on the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail, which has been completed by 10,000 people.

Peter Stone, chair of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site Management Plan Committee, said: “The Countryside Agency has been monitoring the Trail on an ongoing basis since it opened in May 2003 and is already aware of the issues at the sites noted in the Fowler report. The agency has reassured me that steps are being taken to address the issues.

“I am therefore satisfied at present that there are adequate resources and management systems in place to ensure the risk of future damage is minimised.”