Landslide beach to reopen after new steps installed

The beach has been closed since December 2023 after the cliff collapsed

Work is starting to install new steps down to a beach that was closed after a cliff collapsed.

Ladye Bay in Clevedon, North Somerset, has been shut since December 2023 after coastal erosion made the area unsafe.

A temporary diversion was put in place for visitors, directing walkers inland away from the clifftop path.

North Somerset Council has said work on the new steps will take about two weeks to complete and is urging people not to try to access the beach until the construction work is finished.

The council is installing new steps down to the beach away from the landslide

The council secured money to move the steps away from the scene of the landslide earlier this year.

A spokesperson for the council said: "We’re installing new stairs at Ladye Bay beach.

"The new stairs will be away from the unstable cliff.

"Once the stairs are installed, we’re planning to reopen the beach. Please don’t try and access the beach until then."

Walkers have been directed inland while the clifftop path has remained unstable

Following the landslide councillor Mike Solomon urged people not to use the coastal path, describing it as "extremely dangerous".

Natural England is working with North Somerset Council to help identify a suitable long-term route for the King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) at Ladye Bay.

A spokesperson said: "We hope a new route for the KCIIIECP can be found closer to the coast than this current diversion."