Doubts Cast Over Path Plans
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
A plan to move coastal paths away from eroding cliffs could be hampered by landowners, according to the chairman of a walking group.
Coastal footpaths are under threat of erosion. Photo: Thomas Albrighton
Geoff Langrish, of West Dorset Ramblers, welcomed the proposals by Natural England but cast doubt over whether they were achievable.
He said: "The theory is great but landowners can often be uncooperative. It usually takes years rather than months and a lot of money has to change hands."
Natural England's audit of coastal paths, released on Friday, predicts 13% could be lost to erosion in the next 20 years. The report will inform the Marine and Coastal Access Bill, which aims to safeguard routes and improve access.
The South West Coast Path at Charmouth has been closed since giant landslips destroyed part of the route last year. Natural England says a further 240 miles of paths and rights of way are also under threat.
Mr Langrish said: "The whole area between Lyme Regis and Charmouth is in poor condition and parts of it have disappeared."
The report says the south west has the most accessible coast where 76% of the 768-mile shore can be reached. The worst area is the north west where 44% is accessible.
