Last weekend, my partner Sue and I visited Horseshoe Point beach or North Cotes as it is known to some. Now there has been a lot of controversy surrounding this beach within the last few months or so because there has been sea defence work taking place. Sue and I walked for some considerable distance along the beach and then returned later in the day to find the erected fences had been tie wrapped to stop anyone getting back to their cars. I snapped the tie wraps and we got back OK but I pointed out to Sue two signs both indicating that the footpaths here are labelled as 'Pubilc Footpaths' and as such should be left unimpeded by law. I am quite sure there shall be many more arguments about the situation at this beach but a public footpath is a public footpath and by UK law, it has to be left open at all times. I think we require someone to take up our cause for us.
Take a look here http://www.grimsbylouthramblers.org.uk/northcoates.html
I too whent last weekend the bank holliday but from tetney lock way they have now started another project they are laying a metal roadway across the marsh from about level with the end of the old camp,its so they can get heavey machines over to dig test holes in preperation for a new pipeline. I was there saturday and monday.
I received this from Barry Merrison of the North Lincs Wildfowl Club:
"Quite simple Shaun, the owners of the bank Jointly Humber Wildfowlers and North Lincs Wildfowlers have NOT and do NOT intend in the future to restrict access along the bank to the public. The area sea side of the bank is private land also owned by the clubs and is restricted to the public. Restricted access at the moment on the banks is due to work being carried out by the Environment Agency in strengthening the sea defence wall. You are or should be aware of the Health and Safety Implications that require to be in place to protect the public from any hazards that may be in this area whilst the work is being carried out.
Trust this answers your question, you do not have to be a brain of Britain to understand the situation
Regards"
Apart from feeling free to insult people on behalf of the wildfowl club it offers no help whatsoever. I still maintain however that a public footpath is a public footpath and has to be left open by law.