Stretch of coast path in Cornwall to be reopened following years of delay
The section at Charlestown has been closed off after cliff falls and erosion in the area
Last updated 19th Jun 2022
A much-loved coastal footpath can be reopened after years of delay after an objection to a new route was withdrawn. The section of the South West Coast Path at Charlestown has been closed off after cliff falls and erosion in the area.
As a result Cornwall Council had sought to alter the route of the path to ensure it is safe for walkers to use. However The Ramblers, also known as the Ramblers’ Association, had objected to the proposals which meant that they could not be implemented.
As a result the council was forced to close off sections of the footpath both east and west of the harbour at Charlestown. However, despite putting fences in place walkers were breaking through these to gain access to the path, which led to the council having to replace the barriers at additional cost.
The Ramblers have now confirmed that they have withdrawn their objection and so now the path can be reopened by the council.
In a statement the group said: “A large part of the Ramblers’ work is scrutinising changes to the path network, to ensure they are in the best interests of walkers. We had concerns about what had been proposed in Charlestown with regards to cliff stability in several locations, and the provision for the path to roll back in response to erosion.
“We have been working to find a swift solution for the problem that has severed this path for so long, but we wanted first to make sure the route is secured so that people can continue to enjoy both the South West Coast Path and England Coast Path – now and in the future. We are now happy that this is the case and we have written to Cornwall Council about the withdrawal of our objection.”
The move has been welcomed by James Mustoe, Cornwall councillor for the area, who said that locals had been frustrated by the delays in getting the picturesque route overlooking St Austell Bay reopened.
The path had been diverted for some time on the west side of Charlestown so that walkers had to walk on the roadside inland at Duporth to access the path at Porthpean which had frustrated some walkers.
Cllr Mustoe said: “Cornwall Council has been trying for the last two to three years to move the footpath because of the cliff falls and erosion on the east and west sides of Charlestown. Since I became councillor for this area last May I have had a lot of people contact me about it.”
He said that he had been in contact with The Ramblers about their objection and had also been liaising with council officers and the landowner in the area to ensure that the situation could be resolved.
He said: “The coast path should be by the coast and these issues with cliff falls and coastal erosion are a matter for all coastpaths. There will always have to be movement to protect the coastpath and everyone needs to work together sensibly and pragmatically to ensure we can find a way forward.
“The path is not only important for people to be able to enjoy the coast but it also brings economic benefits to Charlestown. I am pleased it is starting to be resolved.”