Somerset Council has closed a popular footpath through the dunes at Berrow due to safety concerns and says it is unable to say when it will re-open.
The path – which runs from the entrance of Burnham & Berrow Golf Club to the greenkeeper’s compound near the Co-op store in Berrow.
A Somerset Council spokesman told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week: “We appreciate how popular this route is, but at the moment we’re not able to provide a timescale for its reopening.”
“The boardwalk was inspected by the Council’s Rights of Way Team earlier this year in August and November.”
“Between these inspections it deteriorated significantly, necessitating a temporary closure to safeguard the public. This is for an initial period of six months but can be extended if required. It allows for planned works and can be lifted once any works are complete.”
The council spokesman adds: “Our team is assessing whether repairs to the existing structure are viable, or whether a longer-term solution is needed, including full replacement.”
“The closure of the boardwalk means it is now a higher priority within a programme of around 146 larger works across the path network.”
“The timescale for reopening the path depends on a range of factors, including obtaining Natural England consent for any works within the Berrow Dunes Site of Special Scientific Interest, funding sources, ground conditions, and the availability of suitable contractors.”
“In the meantime unfortunately, the public are prohibited from using the boardwalk, and anyone who continues to use it is doing so at their own risk.”
Mike Schollar, a local ‘Adopt-a-Path’ volunteer, adds: “Barriers have recently been erected at each end of this boardwalk to stop people using it. As there is no alternative route it means that this rights of way footpath can no longer be used by its many, many walkers.”
