Storm-wrecked steps to beach replaced

The flight of steel steps provides full walking access again from Swanage beach to Ballard Down

Steps to a beach left inaccessible after they were battered during winter storms have been replaced.

The steps down to Sheps Hollow off the South West Coast Path east of Swanage Bay have been out of action since February.

A new wooden boardwalk leads to the steps, which have an anti-slip top to "help keep people safe, and allow dogs to climb", Dorset Council said.

The authority added the new steps, "which may be a little steep for some", had to be attached to a large flat rock as tidal movements would erode concrete.

A new wooden boardwalk leads to the steps from the coast path

Thanking beach visitors for their patience and understanding during the closure, the council said it hoped the new steps would "be used by beach visitors and their dogs for many years to come".

The flight of steel steps means there is now full walking access again between the north end of Swanage beach and Ballard Down.