Support call to get coastal path re-opened

Paul Marshall who is campaigning to get the coastal path opened from North Shore in Skegness to Winthorpe. ANL-160802-105552001

The path was closed in 1996 after a walker was hit by a golf ball, but pressure to get restrictions lifted is growing.

Skegness Town Council was recently asked for observations to support a Natural England investigation into how to improve coastal access along a 26km stretch between Skegness and Mablethorpe – part of a government-backed £5 million England Coast Path plan.

There has also been a call by Lincolnshire County councillor Chris Pain to make the existing path along the Skegness coast cycle friendly to boost tourism.

There is additional support for the path being re-opened from the local Coastal Access for All group, who would like their so volunteers to be able to clear sand from it.

Paul Marshall, chairman of Coastal Access for All, was present at last week’s meeting of Skegness Town Council,

He told councillors his volunteers would be back on the beach and coastal paths clearing sand and litter picking this year, but he had concerns about the efforts to get restrictions lifted alongside North Shore golf course.

He said: “Ten members of the group submitted Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) forms to Lincolnshire County Council in 2013 to show they used the path before it was closed. The decision on it will soon be coming up, but eight pieces of evidence may not be acceptable and we need more people to submit forms.

”Currently people walking towards Skegness along the path from Butlins turn back when the reach the golf course and can’t get through. The town is losing trade.”

Coun Maggie Gray said she knew of a lot of people who still use the path. She said: “I see people using it every day. There are lots of people who would support you.”

Coun Pain said making the path accessible for cyclists would extend the season and attract different high end spending tourists,

He said: “We have two new centres at Gibraltar Point and Chapel costing over £2.5 million of taxpayers’ money. There is restricted parking at both of these venues, so to fully release their potential cycle access will be essential.”

DMMO forms are available from Lincolnshire County Council on 01522 552222. For more information, email Mr Marshall at [email protected]