Missing Coast Path link restored

News Archive > General > Missing Coast Path link restored

Paul Williams25/01/2012

After a four year hiatus, last week saw the re-opening of the Charlestown to Duporth footpath.
The route closed in 2007 when coastal cliff erosion made it too dangerous for ramblers and visitors to use.
The route between has now reopened, courtesy of funding from Cornwall Council, the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) and the South West Coast Path Association.
Steve Church, from the South West Coast Path Association, said: “This donation of £20,000 is the largest that we have made and reflects the importance that our many members place on having a great coast path, close to the sea, that everyone can enjoy. Our donation was a vital factor in attracting the European funding through the RDPE.”
John Oxenham, Cornwall Council member for St Austell Bay, added: “The loss of this small length of coast path meant a great many people were denied access to this beautiful section of our coastline, and once the newly diverted section settles in this path will be a delight to use.
“I must also thank both Dr Bill Leach and Julie Larter, St Austell Bay Parish Chairman and Clerk respectively, for their tireless efforts in keeping this issue very much to the fore over the past (almost) four years, and for the co-operation of the householders whose land has been affected by the new line of the path.”
St Austell Bay  councillor and chair of the Duporth ward Bill Leach said: “There is no doubt that the coast path will once again become a hugely popular attraction as ramblers, holidaymakers and local people alike enjoy the magnificent views, and the Parish Council is greatly relieved that the temporary diversion running down Duporth Road and Brick Hill, which has been the subject of safety concerns, will no longer be used.”
The project to open the path was managed by Hamish Gordon, Cornwall Council’s Countryside Officer with Neighbourhood Services.
Hamish said: “My thanks go to the various funding bodies for their support and to the landowners. This has been a particularly difficult project to undertake, due to the legal technicalities and the geology of the surrounding area. However we are there now, and thanks to the contractors, John Sandoe & Sons, who worked through exceptionally difficult weather conditions, the coast path is now open and I hope everyone who uses it enjoys all it has to offer.”
Visit the South West Coast Path Association website to find out how they are helping to protect and improve the Coast Path.