CAMPAIGNERS have been given the green light to re-establish access to Castle Cove Beach.

Dorset County Council’s Earth Science Manager has given the all-clear for campaigners to try to re-establish access to the beach.

The footpath to Castle Cove Beach, which has been used by the public since 1899, was closed by Dorset County Council in spring 2013, but has been partially reopened.

Campaigners The Friends of Castle Cove Beach were disappointed earlier this month when Dorset County Council indicated that the path was too dangerous for Princes Trust volunteers to work on, but this latest news has been described as a welcome boost.

The Friends was formed in July 2014 and has 560 members on its Facebook page.

Geologist Richard Edmonds, who has extensive knowledge of the Jurassic Coast, inspected the footpath down to the beach with officers from Dorset County Council and a representative of the Friends of Castle Cove Beach.

Speaking about the news, Tony Dobbs of the Friends of Castle Cove Beach said: “This is fantastic news; it’s just what we’re hoping for.

“Mr Edmonds said that the area was subject to landslip after heavy rains, but that the danger of a catastrophic landslip was minimal and that repairs to the footpath could go ahead, provided the landowners agreed.”

Tony added that the Friends of Castle Cove Beach must also seek agreement from the landowner, Natural England and the Environment Agency.

He said access to the beach is not guaranteed, and they now have to approach the landowners and see what’s acceptable to them.

Tony said: “Mr Edmonds is the acknowledged expert in this area, and this is a green light for us.

“But his verdict means that we can start talking to all the interested parties again. It’s not the beginning of the end, but it’s the end of the beginning.”

The Friends Of Castle Cove Beach has raised £1,000 from supporters to repair the footpath and build steps, with help and donations in kind from a number of local firms.

“This is a project that is firmly based in the community”, said Tony.

“We’re sure that we will be able to find a way back to the beach.

“We just need to be very careful to talk to everyone who has a stake in the beach, especially the landowners, and listen to what they have to say.”