A MUCH-loved beauty spot has finally been re-opened to the public.

Construction has finished on the new set of steps down to Castle Cove Beach in Weymouth.

The beach has been off limits to the public for more than five years although it has been accessible at low tide by walking along the coast.

But the opening ceremony for the steps won’t be until later this month.

In the meantime, residents are being invited to go and walk down the new steps.

Steve Elsworth, chairman of the Friends of Castle Cove Beach, said: “The steps are now officially open, and you can walk down them to Castle Cove Beach.

“I wouldn’t recommend it at the moment, as it’s raining heavily, but when the weather clears up, you might like to go and have a look.

“The grand opening is still on Easter Saturday – April 20 at 1pm, but the school holidays are about to arrive, we’re a community organisation and we couldn’t see the point of keeping the steps closed. There are kids and families who want to go down to the beach and that, after all, is why we are here.

“So, from now to April 20, we have declared a community access period, when we are inviting members of the public to go down to the beach and let us know if there are any safety or other issues, they’d like us to consider. We’ll review all their comments at the next trustee meeting on April 18.

“We still have to put a bin on the beach in the next day or two but we’ll be emptying this bin ourselves, so I’d like to encourage you into the habit of taking all your rubbish home with you.

“And we’ll probably put up some ‘At Your Own Risk’ signs, because you use the steps at your own risk.”

n The opening ceremony for the new steps will take place on Saturday, April 20 at 1pm. All are welcome to attend.