Safety concerns have closed steps down to a popular Isle of Wight beach — making it only accessible by a pay-to-use chairlift.
As the Easter holiday approaches, the Isle of Wight council has been unable to start work — as the land has not stabilised — on the pathway down to Alum Bay, which has the Island’s iconic multi-coloured sands.
Could be closed until the end of spring
It means the public right of access could be closed until the end of spring.
The walkway from The Needles Landmark Attraction to Alum Bay was closed last week, as one set of steps and a landing close to the beach had dropped and have insufficient support underneath.
IWC: It is regrettable
Following an inspection, the Isle of Wight council has said the last steps on to the beach will be strengthened and straightened as well as the realignment of one flight, landing and walkway.
A council spokesperson said,
“It is regrettable the steps to Alum Bay have been closed but the safety of the public has to be our priority.”
£40,000 spent since 2017
After the formal path was lost, the council maintained public access to the beach and spent £40,000 to keep it open since 2017.
The authority said the walkway to the beach is under constant threat of damage during the winter due to adverse weather conditions and coastal erosion.
The current repair costs are being assessed.
IWC: Will do our best to have steps operational asap
A council spokesperson said,
“We will be liaising with local businesses to reopen the path and steps, and while not ideal, subject to agreeing costs and securing funding, we will do our best to have the steps operational as soon as possible.”
Dangerous to use the steps
A public notice from the council warns there is no alternative route to the beach during the closure and no one should use the steps due to the likelihood of danger.
To get to the beach, it can only be accessed by The Needles’ chairlift, which costs a minimum of £4 for an adult and £2 for a child to use one-way.
Around the coast, the Isle of Wight council is working to reinstate beach access at Brambles Chine, with the final phase starting earlier this year.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: © Needles Landmark Attraction
