Seawall walkway closed for urgent repairs to steps

A seawall walkway near a gated park home community has been shut for "urgent" repairs due to safety concerns.

The unofficial footpath on the seafront at Canvey Island on the Thames Estuary in Essex, is popular with local walkers as well as visitors.

An Environment Agency spokesperson apologised for the inconvenience, but said metal steps and gantry on the seawall were not safe for use.

Resident Janice Bottle, 49, who uses the walkway often, said the decision felt like "typical overkill".

More than a dozen residents took to social media, with some asking what was happening with the walkway and others saying the closure was unnecessary, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The closed-off walkway surrounds the Sandy Bay Residential Resort, a gated residential park home community for people aged 50 and older.

Kevin O'Callaghan, 60, called for it to reopen very soon.

He said: "The views and atmosphere there are beautiful, and it's an important route for so many walkers and residents.

"I hope we can see and get updates very soon."

The Environment Agency spokesperson said: "The metal steps and gantry on the seawall near Sandy Bay Residential Park are in urgent need of repair and are not safe for use.

"The public are still able to use the official public footpath on the back of the seawall."

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