People using closed stairs to Yorkshire beach, council says

East Riding of Yorkshire Council has urged people not to use the steps down to Flamborough beach.

The council said the metal steps were closed in June for safety reasons after an inspection found they were in a “seriously damaged condition with clear and invisible structural issues caused by heavy footfall and corrosion by the elements”.

Damage to the steps down to Selwicks Bay beach in Flamborough (Image: East Riding of Yorkshire Council)

A spokesperson said a fixed barrier and closure signs were installed to prevent people from using the steps, but people are “clambering over the barrier to walk the steps to get to the beach”.

They said Selwicks Bay beach has been temporarily closed as the steps are the only way to reach the area.

The closure of the beach was also introduced over concerns paddle boarders travelling to Selwicks Bay beach from nearby North Beach may find themselves stranded, or have to turn back, as they no longer have a way up the cliff. 

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Council engineers and contractors are currently working on a solution, but the local authority said the steps are “likely to be closed for some time”. 

“The damage caused to the structure may mean the steps may need to be rebuilt,” the council spokesperson said.

Cllr Nick Coultish, the council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure, tourism and planning, said it “won’t be a quick repair”.

“We don’t want to restrict access to this beach, but these steps are in a dangerous condition, so we had no choice but to close them,” he said.

“Please don’t ignore the barrier and closure signs, because there is a real risk that someone could get seriously hurt if the steps give way.”

“We look forward to reopening these steps when they are made safe, but until then please don’t use them,” he added.