Beach closure leaves waterfront 'absolutely dead'

A popular beauty spot has been left "absolutely dead" after its beach was closed following the discovery of asbestos in the sand, according to a cafe owner.

Jane Liew, who runs The Galley Kitchen opposite Mount Batten beach in Plymouth, said many of her customers were open-water swimmers and beach users, and warned the closure could have a knock-on effect for businesses across the area.

"On a gorgeous day and a huge heatwave, it was absolutely dead, there was nobody walking around," she said.

Plymouth City Council closed the beach after asbestos fibres were found in the sand and said further testing was needed before it could reopen.

Liew said the closure had already brought back painful memories of the last asbestos incident in 2019 when the beach was also closed.

"I've had the cafe for 10 years now and when I first heard the news my heart just sank," she said.

Liew said the previous closure had badly affected trade, saying it "took such a long time for anything to happen" and that "the whole of the summer" was lost while the beach remained empty.

Local sea swimmer Nicola Housam, from the Bluetits swimming group, said Mount Batten was an important community beach and one of the most accessible places to swim in the city.

"It's a great local swimming area, so it's quite a shock to the community," she said.

"I understand they have to ensure the safety of the local community because obviously asbestos can be very dangerous to health.

"I'm hoping they can undertake the work and do it very quickly."

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