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St Lawrence Coastal Path Reopens After Coastal Erosion Closure

Walkers will once again be able to enjoy the coastline at St Lawrence after footpaths reopened to the public.

The V99, and the path providing access to Binnel Bay, have been closed for months because of coastal erosion.

Working closely with Natural England and the local landowner, the council has reopened the footpath by creating a new link path.

On the public footpath leading to the shore, new steps and boardwalks have been installed improving access on slopes and to the beach.

John Brownscombe, the council's rights of way officer (England Coast Path), said:

"The England Coast Path grant funding and the cooperation of the landowner, has allowed us to create a realigned route inland from where it was eroded and made unsafe to use.

"This new route which is close to Binnel Bay, has been cleared and new steps, and a footbridge installed funded by the England Coast Path Establishment Grant from Natural England as it will, in the future, form part of the new promoted trail.

"Although the new National Trail won’t be formally opened until all the works on the length between Binnel Bay and Chilton Chine are completed, the landowner has kindly given their permission for the new alignment to be used now, so that we can reopen the rest of the public footpath and reconnect Binnel Bay and Woody Bay.

"The beach access has been improved making it safe and easier to use through Isle of Wight AONB Access Fund from Defra."

Funding for the beach access has come from the Isle of Wight AONB through their Defra Access Fund.

Further flights of steps and landings have been funded by the England Coast Path Establishment Grant from Natural England.

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