HISTORIC beach steps and a coastal path which connect two sides of a Victorian English seaside town are to be closed until at least next year.
Council bosses have discovered a large gap in a over a walkway that could be a danger to anyone walking below.
Jacob’s Ladder was initially constructed as a wooden ladder in 1853 Credit: EAST DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL
The council has agreed to spend £500,000 on fixing the wall over the walkway Credit: Getty
The Grade-ll listed Jacob’s Ladder white steps and the Millennium Walkway in will both be closed until at least 2027.
It comes after the council agreed to spend £500,000 on fixing the wall over the walkway.
Councillors are also looking at options to repair the iconic steps or possibly replace the structure.
Jacob’s Ladder was initially constructed as a wooden ladder in 1853.
It was replaced shortly after with the current design.
The Millennium Walkway was opened in 1999 and connects the main town beaches to Jacob’s Ladder beach.
East District Council (EDDC) said it was working with Sidmouth Town Council on a plan to reopen the walkway before the main work started on fixing the cobblestone wall.
EDDC said it wanted to “undertake further investigations to provide the best value for money solution” with work scheduled to take place in “early 2027”.
John Loudoun, deputy leader of EDDC, said: “As a result of the storms of last year, the assets have degraded. We’ve had to look at maintaining safety for the public as our number one priority.”
The chair of Sidmouth Town Council, Hilary Nelson, added: “It’s just hugely unfortunate for Sidmouth that both of these events have arisen at the same time.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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