Steps to an Isle of Wight seafront will not reopen after cliff movement made the route 'too unstable', and repairs were deemed 'complex', Natural England has said.

Appley Steps, near Rylstone Gardens, were shut in November 2020 due to subsidence fears.

In July 2022, almost two years on, they were reopened after new steps were constructed around the cliff fall.

Updated: Natural England error over Isle of Wight seafront steps

However, safety fears soon saw them shut once again.

Now, three years after the initial closure, it has been decided they will be permanently closed, Natural England has revealed.

The County Press has contacted the Isle of Wight Council for a comment.

Natural England shared the news as part of plans to remodify its proposed King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP).

It said an inspection found the steps would require complex engineering intervention and financial input, in order to reopen.

KCIIIECP is a proposed long-distance trail that will follow the coastline of England.

Orginal plans had Appley Steps as part of the trail but Natural England is now seeking to re-route the path inland and increase the length of the walk to 749m from 482m.

Isle of Wight County Press: The proposed modification by Natural England.The proposed modification by Natural England. (Image: Natural England)

A diversion will instead see the trail go via Everton Lane, Chine Avenue, Church Road, Chine Hollow and Popham Road.

It is the only viable option that avoids Shanklin Chine, a paid for tourist attraction, Natural England said.

It's estimated the proposed modified route would cost £2,000, as opposed to the original route cost of £3,750.

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As the first County Press reported, Chine Hollow is currently closed due to wall collapses. It means walkers are having to take a longer route via Priory Road and Popham Road.

Further along Shanklin, at Eastcliff Promenade, Osborne Steps - which also provide access to the seafront - are shut, too.

A void has been identified behind the section of retaining wall, causing fears for safety.