Residents and visitors can once again use the seafront steps at The Leas in Frinton following a £197,000 project to improve access to the Essex Sunshine Coast.

The new galvanised steel structure, installed by Tendring District Council (TDC), replaces a set of concrete steps which had been affected by movement within the cliffs and was in urgent need of repair.

Built on specialist screw pile foundations, the replacement steps have been designed so adjustments can be made if the cliffs move in future. Extra landings have also been included to make the route easier for residents and other beach users.

The work forms part of a wider scheme to replace two sets of seafront steps at The Leas and Southcliff in Walton, helping to provide safer and more reliable beach access for residents, visitors and beach hut owners.

Councillor Adrian Smith, TDC’s Cabinet Member responsible for Coast Protection, welcomed the opening and thanked people for their patience while the work was carried out.

“It is fantastic to see the new steps at The Leas open and ready for residents and visitors to use, restoring easier access to this much-loved stretch of coastline,” he said.

“Delivering a complex scheme like this takes time, requiring careful planning and specialist engineering because of the movement within the cliffs. It is not something that can be done quickly.

“A great deal of work has taken place behind the scenes to reach this point, and the new design provides a strong, practical solution that can be adjusted if needed in the future.

“I would like to thank our staff for their hard work and commitment. I am also grateful to residents, visitors and beach hut owners for their patience and understanding while this important work has been carried out.”

Fabrication of the new steps at Southcliff is underway, with installation due to be completed by the end of the year. Southcliff remains open to the public ahead of the work.

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