A flagship tourist attraction has been closed to the public over fears that a dangerous tree could collapse.

Eastern Daily Press: The dead tree overhanging the boardwalk at Dere Mere that has been deemed a risk to the public. Picture: Simon ParkinThe dead tree overhanging the boardwalk at Dere Mere that has been deemed a risk to the public. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

The floating boardwalk on Diss Mere, part of the £3.4m Heritage Triangle project, has been closed until work can be carried out to fell the large dead willow tree that is overhanging the walkway.

An assessment carried out by a tree surgeon on behalf of Diss Town Council warned the tree posed a danger to the public and advised the boardwalk be closed until it could be removed.

Project manager Sheila Moss King said: 'The trouble is the tree is old and in the summer with the drought it has not only died but it has also split and it is leaning quite significantly. It does present a risk and it is a big lump of tree so it would do someone quite a bit of damage if it fell on them.'

The council has be granted district council approval to remove the tree and hopes to carry out the work as soon as possible.

Mrs Moss King said: 'It is actually on land belong to a third party so it isn't actually the council's tree to take down. We are in the process of contacting the landowner to get their consent to go on the land.

'It is just a bit protracted so what we have been looking at is ways that we can open up at least part of the boardwalk.'