A POPULAR coast path in Newquay is still blocked more than eight months after a major cliff collapse because it’s not been identified who owns the land.

Newquay Central Cornwall councillor Joanna Kenny states it has not been ascertained who is responsible for the “expensive” undertaking of clearing the tonnes of debris from the South West Coast Path between the Fly Cellars and Huers Hut and making the cliff safe.

But a number of town councillors believe Cornwall Council should have made sure the area is accessible by now following concerns tourism is being damaged due to the coast path’s popularity with coastal walkers, anglers and coasteer companies.

A large section of the cliff collapsed on Saturday, January 31 and has been cordoned off as a safety precaution ever since. Councillors discussed the issue at Newquay Town Council’s meeting on Wednesday, October 7.

Cllr Kenny said: “The problem with it is the council can’t find who actually owns the land, but someone owns it. As far as I know we are still waiting for who is going to pay for it because it’s not Cornwall Council’s responsibility as it’s not their land. I have no idea who they think owns it, but nobody wants it because clearing the path and making the cliff safe is going to be very expensive. Clearing the path is the easy part. Making it safe is going to be more difficult.”

Mayor Drew Creek added: “I think it’s shocking that Cornwall Council has allowed for a significant part of the Kings Path to be impassible in this way.

“As a town we get so many people visit because of the Kings Path running through our town.

“It’s a key element of our attraction particularly off season and this will be hurting us. Regardless of ownership this path should be cleared and made safe as soon as possible and without delay and then charged back to whomever is the land owner.”

Cllr Steve Slade said: “The lack of any action in clearing the rockfall on the coast path is totally unacceptable.

“The reason that ‘no one knows who owns the land” is farcical. The coast path is a vital asset of the town and needs to be opened urgently. I will be putting pressure on Cornwall Council to get our coast path open as soon as possible.”

Cllr Slade raised concerns about the number of cliff collapses there have been along the Newquay coastline in recent times. “There is concern because we are losing parts of the Newquay coast path all over the place, he said. “We need to try and put a lid on it.”

A working party from Newquay town council’s planning and licensing committee is looking at the issue of coastal erosion and planning for the future.

Cllr Kenny said: “We have applied for a grant to help produce a plan. Places like Cliff Road. The estimates that have come out is that in 100 years it won’t be there anymore. The road through Whipsiderry also. What’s going to happen when it goes. We will have to wait and see whether we get the grant. If we don’t get the grant we will do something, but it will be smaller.”