An initial land slip occurred last year: rock catch fencing successfully prevented most debris from falling onto the pathway. A drone survey was later carried out due to the difficult nature of accessing the slip area.
A risk to members of the public was discovered after the survey was reviewed by an expert technical engineer. The steps were recommended to be closed and remedial works be undertaken.
Pictured: The extent of the land slip can be seen in the exposed cliff face.
There is a concern that the rock catch fencing no longer has the capacity to cope with further rockfalls, and they would instead land directly on the footpath, potentially causing injury to anyone using the steps.
Work is also taking place to plan for the removal of material from the slip area and from behind the rock catch fencing, to make the area safe to the public again.
Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services will continue to provide updates on the progress of these essential works.