Natural England has admitted that they made a mistake in a recently released report that stated Appley Steps in Shanklin were to be closed permanently, with it now understood the closure could be a temporary measure.
As previously reported by Island Echo, a report – published by Natural England – suggested that Appley Steps in Shanklin were to close permanently and thus be removed from the King Charles III England Coast Path – a trail that routes its way around the English Coastline.
In that report, it was noted that repairs to the steps, which had been previously repaired in July 2022 but closed again in November 2022, were to close due to the need to conduct a complex investigation, as well as the financial outlay to rectify the problem once and for all. But now, it has been confirmed that the current closure may just be temporary.
An Isle of Wight Council Spokesperson has said:
“There has been no formal decision to permanently close Appley Steps.
“The council is awaiting a report from a geotechnical engineering team which will set out if there are any options for keeping the steps open.”
The diversion will send people inland and through Shanklin Old Village, some distance from the coast. The route will now divert via Chine Avenue, Everton Lane, Church Road, Chine Hollow and Popham Road.
Natural England has admitted the mistake was made during the creation of the report and that it was simply a misunderstanding.
No date has been given for any repairs – should they be undertaken.
These steps will never be re-opened, the costs involved are too great.
We were talking to two workers who have shut off path at back of Rylstone cafe that took you around Rylstone Park permanently without any conversation with Cafe or hotels and they said Council had already decided this was to shut. As were steps as everything is moving, the council considered re routing the park path further back to the boundaries of Rylstone Cafe but even that was deemed undo able because of slippage…. Sadly you cannot fight coastal erosion it may not move for another 50 years or it could be gone tomorrow!. But the Council are being totally underhanded and not stating what is obvious to most people….
Great news! Let’s hope so..
I though Chine Hollow is closed, ???
It is!! Nothing to do with steps and that again is another farce!.
Natural england are a waste of space !!!