NEWS FEED
The zig zag path to the beach from Highcliffe Castle grounds has had to be closed temporarily following a structural inspection by an independent consultant engineer.
The engineer found that parts of the wall to the side of the path were inadequate for retaining the material behind it and should be replaced. Due to a possible risk to path users should the wall collapse, he recommended closing the path.
Christchurch Council engineers are proposing creating a new path to cut across the existing one to avoid the part where the wall is failing but this will need some survey work to check whether it is feasible.
Contractors are due to come in to assess the work needed on Monday 22 August.
Jonathan Ross, Property & Engineering Manager at Christchurch Council, said: “We had no choice but to close the path following advice from the consultant as we would not want to put members of the public at risk.
“We hope that we can come up with an alternative solution within the next few days and that the work to remedy the failing wall can take place quickly. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
There are steps down to the beach further along the cliff top to the right of the zig zag. Other car parks with sloping access to the beach can be found at Highcliffe cliff top by the Cliffhanger Cafe and at Friars Cliff.
