Dorset County Council told the Echo that the steps to Castle Cove beach were removed “for safety reasons after they were damaged in last winter’s storms”. (Echo, January 16).

There are two things wrong with this statement: first, the steps were removed before last winter’s storms – in spring 2013 – and, second, they were in good condition when they were taken away.

We have photographs, provided by Dorset County Council, showing the condition of the steps at the time – they were fine.

The removal was done, not because of the condition of the steps, but to discourage people from using the footpath.

Council officers may well be experienced professionals, but if they don’t keep written records of the decisions they make, then they will continue to make basic errors in recalling events.

The people who use Castle Cove deserve better treatment.

Steve Elsworth
Chair, Friends of Castle Cove Beach
Old Castle Rd
Weymouth