A ZIGZAG cliff path at Highcliffe between the castle and beach is to be upgraded to make it wheelchair-friendly.

The path, constructed in 1977, follows the line of cliff slippage.

No drainage was installed, the surface and hand rails were poor and some people have found it difficult to negotiate the route.

Maintenance is now becoming more difficult.

Some people have fallenon the path and broken bones.

Councillors have become increasing concerned that a more serious accident could happen, especially as more people are visiting the castle and venturing down to the beach.

The popularity of weddings at the castle has led to photographs being taken on the beach and now the opening of the wheelchair-friendly Christchurch Coastal Path between Chewton Bunny and Mudeford Quay has brought matters to a head.

Members of Christchurch Borough Council's resources committee have now agreed to spend £30,000 to put a good surface on the path this winter, in line with the Disability Discrimination Act.

The work will probably be carried out in November and December to tie in with the castle's winter closure.

First published: August 28