No more danger on beach steps (From Penarth Times)

No more danger on beach steps

METAL rods branded dangerous by Plaid Cymru have been fixed by the Vale Council. The rods were part of unfinished work on steps leading to Penarth beach.

On Monday Richard Grigg, prospective AM for Penarth, said: "The pathway from the esplanade is in dire need of repair and could cause a serious accident."

But as the Times went to press, a Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesman said that the damage had been repaired.

He said: "A step reconstruction programme has now been completed by the council although the necessity to undertake priority work in other areas and unfavourable tidal conditions have led to some delays."

Mr Grigg said: "The Vale Council has allowed the concrete to deteriorate and has not acted quickly enough."

Repairs had been needed to renovate the steps for two or more years as they eroded away with the constant usage.

Mr Grigg, before the work was completed, said that there was nothing to stop a child hurting themselves on the metal and that there was no warning to passers-by.

He added: "If blind person was to walk down the steps they would not realise the danger at the end of them."

Plaid Cymru Vale leader Chris Franks said before the work was completed: "It is not safe to leave the work unfinished.

"It is about time they were finished.

It is a serious hazard and should be sorted out.

"With the weather good at the moment people will want to visit the beach.

"Many day trippers come to Penarth when the weather is good and the beach is an obvious attraction."

Penarth Society member Graham Robertson said before the work was completed: "We want to see Penarth in its best light and hope that repairs are carried out quickly."