A TIMBER boardwalk in Ringwood needs to be dismantled after an inspection revealed it is unsafe.

The town council has closed the wooden walkway beside the Millstream in the Danny Cracknell Pocket Park.

The timber has rotted in the damp environment "much sooner than expected", the council said, and is "beyond economic repair".

Last year the council began preparations to replace the boardwalk with a new structure of wood-free composite materials that would preserve the appearance of real hardwood but be more resilient and less prone to becoming slippery when wet.

"Those plans will now be accelerated and the new boardwalk installed as soon as practicable," the town council said.

"This popular green space close to the town centre will remain open to public use but the council apologises for the reduced accessibility and inconvenience that the temporary removal of the boardwalk is likely to cause some users."