WORKS got underway to improve paths that lead to Fistral Beach on Monday (April 22) following complaints they have fallen into disrepair.

Cormac teams are carrying out repairs and replacement of fencing along the coast path that runs behind the beach and sand dunes.

The works also involve re-instating some of the main beach access points and removing built up sand from other paths as well as the installation of a safety handrail to a section of path leading to the north Fistral car park. 

An emergency path closure has been put in place for safety reasons whilst the works are carried out.

The contractors predicted it will take one to two weeks of closure between 9am to 3pm on weekdays.

A spokesperson for Pentire Residents Association said: “The work will improve and make safe access to the beach as well as involving elements of fencing to control unwanted access over the dunes and help reduce rapid erosion. 

“This work is being carried out alongside other work with the Friends of Fistral Dunes and the Making Space For Sand project to try and improve the dunes resilience to erosion and coastal flooding.

“The fencing work planned for the coast path between the sand dunes and golf course will require a mini excavator with a post driver to install the fence posts and remove built up sand. 

“Due to the narrow working width of this section of path it will be unsafe and impractical to have the path open to members of the public during this work even with stop and go measures. 

“The stretch of affected path will be closed whilst the digger work is undertaken and then the remaining work can be undertaken with the path open. 

“There have been many complaints about the state of the path.”

Cllr Louis Gardner said: “Over the last few months I’ve had lots of complaints about the state of the path that runs behind Fistral beach. 

“It is amazing that we have managed to get a programme of improvements to take place to improve the path and protect the dunes.”