Plans approved for dust path to replace boardwalk at Waterfoot beach

During last October’s Leisure and Development Committee meeting members were informed that the boardwalk had deteriorated significantly since its installation in 2015 and now poses safety concerns.

At that meeting, members agreed for officers to pursue the dust path plans, and rejected a potential replacement hardwood path with an estimated cost of £153,500.

Members of April’s Committee meeting gave the green light to the progression to Stage 2 of the Council’s Capital Works Process; encompassing procurement and the development of a final business case for the boardwalk’s replacement.

Members were given two options; replacement with the compacted dust path at a cost of £46,921.50, or removal of the boardwalk with no replacement for £6,000.

A council officer warned that while removal would eliminate immediate safety risks and reduce capital expenditure, it would also remove formal access through the area, potentially impacting accessibility and visitor experience.

The officer clarified: “If we we go for Option 2 we will have an informal pathway that will be basically sand and grass but it will not be for all users, for example the likes of wheelchair users will not be able to guarantee access.”

Members voted unanimously in favour of the dust path replacement.

At the November full council meeting, Independent Councillor Margaret Anne McKillop asked the council’s Director of Leisure and Development, Pat Mulvenna, for “reassurances” around the dust path, saying at the time she was “not completely sold on” the plan.