Residents and visitors can now once again use the seafront steps at The Leas in Frinton, following a £197,000 project aimed at improving access to the Essex Sunshine Coast. The new galvanised steel structure, installed by Tendring District Council (TDC), replaces concrete steps that required urgent repair due to cliff movement.
Engineered with specialist screw pile foundations, the replacement steps are designed to accommodate future cliff movement, with extra landings incorporated to enhance ease of use for residents and other beachgoers. This work is part of a larger initiative to replace seafront steps at both The Leas and Southcliff in Walton, ensuring safer and more dependable beach access for all users, including beach hut owners.
Councillor Adrian Smith, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Coast Protection, expressed his satisfaction with the opening. He thanked the public for their patience during the construction period. "It is fantastic to see the new steps at The Leas open and ready for residents and visitors to use, restoring easier access to this much-loved stretch of coastline," he stated.
Councillor Smith highlighted the complexity of the scheme, noting that "delivering a complex scheme like this takes time, requiring careful planning and specialist engineering because of the movement within the cliffs. It is not something that can be done quickly." He added that "a great deal of work has taken place behind the scenes to reach this point, and the new design provides a strong, practical solution that can be adjusted if needed in the future."
He concluded by thanking TDC staff for their efforts and expressing gratitude to residents, visitors, and beach hut owners for their understanding. Fabrication of the new steps for Southcliff is currently underway, with completion anticipated by the end of the year. Southcliff remains accessible to the public while these works progress.
