Footpath washed away during Storm Ashley

A footpath washed away during Storm Ashley is to be replaced.

The path at Earnse Bay in Barrow, Cumbria, was destroyed over the weekend when the bad weather caused it to erode and shift on to the beach.

Westmorland and Furness Council said it was working with contractors to remove fencing and ensure the public could still walk through the field.

The council said it was meeting with Labour MP Michelle Scrogham at the site to discuss how to go about fixing the path.

The council has put signs up to guide walkers to safety in the affected areas.

The section of the Earnse Bay walkway is part of the King Charles III England Coast Path, a National Trail which will span the entire English coastline once completed.

Although the trail is not a public right of way, it is subject to "roll back" legislation, meaning it can be moved inland as the coast erodes.

Councillor Giles Archibald said he understood residents' concerns about coastal erosion.

"The recent damage caused by Storm Ashley over the weekend is a reminder that climate change remains the challenge of our generation and we have to anticipate the further impacts of this on our environment and our way of life," he said.

"We have been in regular contact with residents and communities for many years and we will continue to work closely and engage with them as well as businesses and stakeholders to manage the situation within the current resources."

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