The owner of a popular Isle of Wight attraction has lamented the sudden closure of a public footpath — and only free access route to his business — over fears it could lose him vital footfall.
The Isle of Wight Council closed the public right of way down down to Alum Bay last week over safety concerns.
It leaves only the iconic pay-to-use Needles Chairlift to access the multi-coloured sands of Alum Bay and the Needles Pleasure Cruises — which takes customers out and around the lighthouse.
Needles Pleasure Cruises owner, Peter Lemonious, has said the closure is understandable but feared the cost implication of coming down to the beach may put some people off.
To access the bay now via chairlift would cost a return ticket of £8 for an adult or £6 for a child.
Mr Lemonious said the pleasure cruise’s trade relies on Alum Bay and people coming down.
Due to erosion, one set of steps and a landing near the beach have dropped and currently have insufficient support underneath.
The council said it was regrettable the steps had to close but the safety of the public had to be its priority and current repair costs were being assessed.
The only access to Alum Bay and the Needles Pleasure Cruises is via the chair lifts
As the land is yet to stabilise the authority has been unable to start the work and said the access could be closed until the end of spring.
Mr Lemonious said he had not spoken to the council but agreed it made sense for the authority to wait to do the work as erosion was inevitable over the winter.
He was disappointed, however, it had to happen at this time of year, when the holiday trade was about to start.
The chairlift has reopened in the last few days and the boat tours are due to start on April 1 (weather permitting).
Mr Lemonious was thankful it was only the start of the season but lamented it was the first real holiday of the year and it would be a shame that dogs or small children would not be able to reach the beach.
He said it was rather disappointing for those families who come to the Needles hoping to see the sands, ride the boat or enjoy Alum Bay that they may not be able to get down there.
The Needles Landmark Attraction has been contacted for comment.
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