A POPULAR beach footpath in Gurnard has partially reopened following the public's plea for access.

As previously reported by the County Press, the Isle of Wight Council fenced off the path to the beach amid safety fears, after someone fell on the slipway to the beach.

This incident was reported to the council and an inspection found the structure was unsafe to use.

Councillor John Hobart said: "Even though the upkeep and maintenance responsibilities are not the Isle of Wight Council's, we do have a duty of care to persons wanting to go on the beach via this route.

"We are not in a financial position to undertake any repairs and would not do so on structures that do not belong to this Authority. In order to ensure public safety and to keep costs at a minimum we installed fencing to stop access."

The structure was to be fenced off indefinitely unless the owner of the facility came forward, but due to passionate pleas and public demand the fence has now been realigned to enable the public to access the beach by the private path adjacent to the slipway.

However, the council will not remove the partial fencing unless the owner comes forward and undertakes repairs.