The footpaths around one of Monmouthshire's top tourist attractions have been labelled a quagmire, giving a poor impression to visitors, it was claimed this week.

Now Monmouth Assembly Member Nick Ramsay has written to the Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, Huw Lewis AM, pressing for improvements to the paths around Tintern Abbey.

Mr Ramsay recently visited the site at the request of a constituent who expressed concern about the poor state of the footpath adjacent to the Anchor Hotel, describing the area at the back of the abbey as "a quagmire".

Mr Ramsay said: "Having seen the footpath for myself I have to agree that it certainly needs resurfacing, or perhaps paving, to offer a more sympathetic surface close to the historic surroundings of the abbey.

"The deteriorating state of the footpaths and roads close to the abbey give a poor impression to tourists visiting this iconic site."

He has also written to the Highways Department of Monmouthshire County Council asking if the council would consider resurfacing the junction of Chapel Lane and the main road, and has suggested a site meeting with CADW.

He added: "The Cistercian abbey of Tintern is one of the greatest monastic ruins in Wales, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

"It's a great pity that a site which inspired poets such as Wordsworth and artists including Turner is being let down by the footpaths surrounding it."

A CADW spokesman said: "The recent storms have caused exceptional damage to the gravel paths. Temporary repairs to ensure the safety of visitors are ongoing and are conservation team are looking at longer term options."