Steel steps replace storm-damaged wooden steps at Jurby Beach

The Department of Infrastructure has repaired the steps leading down to Jurby Beach, replacing storm-damaged wooden steps with a galvanised steel set.

The beach is reached by a footpath from Sartfield Road. According to Energy FM, the lower wooden steps on the way down had been badly damaged.

A department spokesperson said the area is calm in good weather, but that “the coast here can take a battering in stormy weather”. Tidal action had previously wrecked the steps that ran down from the concrete base of the main structure, they added.

The department said it chose not to replace the steps like for like, because it was certain that wooden steps would eventually be washed away by another winter storm. Instead, the lower section is now made of galvanised steel, fixed with bolts to the existing concrete base.

The spokesperson said the new steps “have been designed to allow water flow through the structure rather than take the full force of the waves”.