Lytham coastal path reopens as rules relaxed

Its unveiling as the first part of the £22m sea defences project to be completed comes more than a month after it was originally scheduled to be available to the public for the first time in two years.

The council said at the time of the projected March 31 opening that the path would stay closed until further notice for safety reasons during the coronavirus lockdown.

A council spokesman said the decision to re-open was based on the revised conditions regarding exercising outdoors announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday.

Coun Thomas Threlfall, the council-appointed representative for the Fairhaven and Church Scar Sea Defence project board, said: “Following 10 years hard work I am delighted that we can now offer this section of the sea defence project back to the public to enjoy.

“I’d like to give special thanks and recognition to Fylde Council officers Andrew Dickson, Paul Walker, Darren Bell, Steve Ball and Mike Pomfret for their tireless efforts throughout this project.

“I would also like to extend my thanks to the Environment Agency and the Government for recognising the need for improvements in the area and subsequently awarding funding for this.

“I am immensely proud of what has been achieved; a promenade to be proud of.

“Not only will this beauty spot be attractive for residents and visitors alike, but it has also significantly improved the safety of the surrounding area.”

The remaining sections of the project at Fairhaven Lake and Granny’s Bay are expected to be completed later this year.

While the Church Scar stretch can now be used for exercise, people have been urged to continue to practice social distancing when using it, keeping two metres apart from anyone not in your immediate household.

The same applies everywhere as a possible increase in visitor numbers is anticipated this weekend the Government’s relaxing of the rules regarding travel distance for exercise.

Fylde Council’s tourism and leisure chairman Coun Cheryl Little said: “Social distancing is still vital and it is important everyone uses common sense.”

Fylde MP Mark Menzies said of last Sunday’s Government announcement: “The key message is simple – maintain social distancing at all times, and treat the relaxation of some rules with common sense.”