I have reproduced below a note received from the Countryside Strategic Manager at the county council relating to a landslip and enforced closure of a beach access point between Blackhall Rocks and Crimdon:
I am sorry to have to advise you that Green Stairs, that
give access to the beach, is to be closed on the advice of the Drainage and
Coastal Defence Manager following a significant cliff fall. He advises that
works to stabilise the cliff to ensure the structure’s long-term integrity and
public safety may be as much as £1m. As the steps are currently a considerable
safety hazard, some temporary barrier has been installed and investigations are
taking place to determine how best to practically ensure public access does not
continue.
I imagine there is a possibility that the steps could be
reinstated at some time in the future but advice received is that they should
be closed with immediate effect. As you will be aware, this section of the
coast is identified in the Shoreline Management Plan as having a policy of ‘no
active intervention’, partly because of the SSSI and SAC designations and its
relatively remote location. The erosion process is an accepted natural event
and the local fauna and flora that make the area so ecologically important,
depend on this process. The Drainage and Coastal Defence Manager advises that
we, as an Authority, have to employ a policy of managed retreat for any assets
we may have in the affected area.
I will liaise with the Heritage Coast Manager to ensure any
necessary public information is appropriately communicated.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter please contact the Countryside Strategic Manager, Andy Niven, on 0191 372 9101 or at:
andy.niven@durham.gov.uk
