Popular Isle of Wight seaside paths causing businesses anger

The Isle of Wight Council first closed Appley Steps in November 2020, and Osbourne Steps and a section of Eastcliff Promenade in late 2022, citing "public safety and repairs", following landslips.

The prolonged closures are causing concern among residents, businesses and councillors due to the impact on tourism and the seafront economy.

The closures were necessitated by the "continuing deterioration" of these Victorian features.

Top of the Appley Steps, Shanklin. (Image: County Press)

The bottom of Appley Steps, Shanklin (Image: County Press) In particular, this includes cliff face instability, a 'bulging' wall and a 'void' uncovered from undergrowth at Osbourne Steps.

The council said: "These areas will require extensive repairs and there is also work to the drainage system that needs to be carried out."

Read more: Update on closed beach steps following investigation

The Eastern Promenade section, which adjoins Osbourne Steps, was closed after a cliff fall deposited a large amount of material onto the path below.

The council's only other convenient means of accessing the seafront, the Cliff Lift, operates only between Easter and the October half-term holidays.

The top of Osbourne Steps, Shanklin. (Image: County Press) Bottom of the Osbourne Steps (Image: County Press) The closures have not only restricted access to the town's seafront, but have also impacted local businesses.

Mark Taskas, who manages The Waterfront Inn, on Shanklin seafront, said: "It's absolutely dreadful. The Osbourne Steps closing has had a massive impact.

"It's putting people off coming down to us. It's had an impact on local trade. The locals don't come down.

"The choices are walk down and a hell of a walk back, or drive down, with a parking charge, which is disgusting during the winter."

Mark Taskas, who manages The Waterfront Inn, Shanklin, beside the Osbourne Steps closure sign. Mark Taskas, who manages The Waterfront Inn, Shanklin. Island councillor for Shanklin, Chris Quirk, also attributed the closure of a café at the top of Appley Steps to the situation.

He said: "More cost-effective ways of safely reopening the path should be considered, with a seismic monitor at the top."

Concerned Island councillor Chris Quirk (Image: County Press) Read more: Closure fears: Natural England updates report after Appley Steps 'error'

The closure order, perpetually renewed, will last for up to six months.

However, residents are keen to know when, or if, the routes will ever reopen.

The council has set aside £500,000 from HS2 government funding for structure and drainage works on Osbourne Steps this financial year.

Eastern Promenade (Image: County Press) Bottom of Appley Steps, Shanklin. However, it is unclear whether any of this has been allocated to the route's repairs.

Cllr Quirk questioned: "It is clear the money has been allocated for them. That was the intention and the strategy, so why hasn't it happened?"

Shanklin mayor, Cllr Sara Sheath, echoed his sentiments, highlighting the impact on accessibility to the seafront.

She said: "For locals and tourists, the only way to the seafront is via a big detour."

Cllr Sheath also believes the closures are affecting seafront businesses and the seafront's economy.

(Image: County Press) The bottom of Osbourne Steps. (Image: County Press) She said: "If people can't access the seafront easily, it's going to affect business, which concerns me.

"It also has an impact on those from the town who work there."

Cllr Quirk was cautious about the future of the paths.

He said: "I'd hope the issues will be looked at creatively. Their closure is putting people off going to the seafront.

"People like Shanklin's history, such as its Victorian poets, as part of its charm and 'chocolate box' appeal.

"The steps are part of that."