Beachgoers 'ignore warning' on unsafe cliff steps

People are putting themselves in danger by ignoring signs at a beach that has been closed for two months, according to a local authority.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council said it had received reports beachgoers were climbing over a barrier at the entrance to steps that lead to Selwicks Bay, near Flamborough Lighthouse.

The metal stairs down the cliff side were closed by the council in June after an inspection found they had been seriously damaged by heavy footfall and corrosion.

The council urged people not to ignore the signs, and added: "There is a real risk that someone could get seriously hurt if the steps give way."

The steps are the only way to reach Selwicks Bay, meaning the beach is also temporarily closed.

There are also concerns paddle boarders arriving at the beach from nearby North Beach may find themselves stranded, or have to turn back, as they no longer have a way up the cliff.

The council said engineers and contractors were working on a solution, but the steps were likely to be closed for some time.

Nick Coultish, the council's cabinet member for culture, leisure, tourism and planning, said: "We don't want to restrict access to this beach but these steps are in a dangerous condition, so we had no choice but to close them.

"Please don't ignore the barrier and closure signs, because there is a real risk that someone could get seriously hurt if the steps give way.

"This won't be a quick repair, unfortunately. The damage means we may have to rebuild them.

"We look forward to reopening these steps when they are made safe, but until then please don't use them."

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