Further subsidence leads to closure at Blackhead Path

The first section of the entrance point to the path on the Old Castle Road is being shut with immediate effect.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has taken the decision to close the part leading from Whitehead car park after expert advice deemed the condition of the pathway as posing a danger to members of the public

The additional damage, council stated, may have been caused by extreme weather which hit Northern Ireland last weekend, resulting in a month of rainfall landing in the space of several hours on Saturday.

The path has moved 30cms in the last year and, more significantly, 17cms in the last month. Large cracks along the path wall have also been identified, indicating likely structural failure of it and possible collapse.

The path was previously closed to vehicles and the latest move is to safeguard pedestrians.

A MEA Council spokesman said: “The health and safety of our residents and visitors to our borough is paramount. We take no chances whatsoever when it comes to people’s safety and wellbeing, and we have immediately closed access to this section of the path as a result. We understand and appreciate that this will be frustrating for those who enjoy this outstanding coastal path.

“We will be continuing to work closely with residents and the local community, including Blackhead Path Preservation Society, until this situation is rectified.

“We know this is an inconvenience, but in the meantime we would encourage the public to explore and enjoy nearby alternative walking opportunities in the area, including Diamond Jubilee Wood, Whitehead Recreation Ground, Beach Road Nature Reserve and Bentra golfing facilities.

“Our council is also heavily involved in the Coastal Erosion Forum Group, which brings together central government and partner agencies working to identify safeguarding and improvement opportunities for Northern Ireland’s coastlines, our biggest tourism draws.”

An area of the path around the lighthouse was closed a few years ago after severe rockfall and subsidence, and further storms have worsened the damage. Fences and signs warning people of the risks have already been erected, but a small number have ignored them previously, cutting away and damaging fence posts and locks.

Members of the public have been warned by the local authority these actions pose serious risks should they access the path in its current state.

The spokesman added: “Substantial funding has already been set aside by council for major investment works at Blackhead Path. Council is currently engaged with a project team to design and oversee those remedial works.

“Investigations on the scale of this work and the repairs needed began earlier this year, with plans to resolve the issue being put together over the coming months. Work timescales are weather-dependent, however, council is moving this project forward and is committed to completing this as soon as possible.”

East Antrim DUP MLA Gordon Lyons said he was sorry to learn of this setback in plans to have the facility restored.

He said: “This is very disappointing news but understandable that safety comes first. This is an important asset in East Antrim and I hope that necessary work is done as soon as possible to allow it to be reopened so that it can be enjoyed by locals and visitors again.”