Councillor claims clifftop path erosion poses threat to safety

AN Angus clifftop path is in need of work to protect it from erosion and ensure the safety of children and walkers, a councillor has claimed.

Arbroath East and Lunan SNP councillor Brenda Durno said investment in the route between Arbroath and Auchmithie would also help attract more visitors.

She said erosion at the Seaton cliffs was causing concern and posing an increasing risk to the path.

Ms Durno said investment was necessary to develop the stretch, part of the Arbroath path network, into a cycle route with a view to extending the path in the future.

She said: “I think this is an opportunity to take a look at the situation and see what can be done to improve it, especially to allow cyclists greater use there.

“For example, there is a huge amount of cultural activity at Auchmithie but limited parking, so making it easier for people to enjoy a walk or bike ride from Arbroath to the village would be a real help.

“The path is also often used by agricultural workers coming into town, so this is not just a recreational route.

“I appreciate that this would need the agreement of local landowners but there are huge opportunities here to attract people into the area and boost tourism.”

Ms Durno said funding sources, i ncluding the Coastal Communities Fund, had given grants to similar projects.

An Angus Council spokesman said the authority was not aware of any recent erosion affecting the cliff path at Arbroath, although one section of the route at Seaton Den remains closed for safety reasons due to landslides.

He added: “There are no plans to upgrade the route to a cycle path.”