The main access route to Jurby Beach remains closed following significant coastal erosion caused by Storms Austen and Boelo.

The Department of Infrastructure (DoI) has formally closed the public right of way from Sartfield Road to the beach, known as PROW 11A, because of safety concerns.

An emergency closure order is currently in place until November 30, although the department has warned it may need to be extended.

The storms, which battered the island more than 10 days ago, caused waves to bypass the rock armour protecting the base of the access steps, undermining the cliff face behind them and washing away substantial amounts of ground.

The DoI said the route was now unsafe for public use.

Previous storms had destroyed the lower timber steps at the site, which were recently replaced with steel steps.

However, while the new steps have remained structurally intact, the ground and cliff behind them have been severely eroded.

Structural engineers from the department are due to visit the site soon
Structural engineers from the department are due to visit the site soon (DoI)

Structural engineers from the department are due to visit the site to assess the damage and consider options for restoring safe access to the beach.

The DoI said: ‘Please respect the closure and do not attempt to access the beach via this route.

‘Public safety remains our priority while assessments are undertaken and options for repair are considered.’

The department added that further updates would be provided as more information became available.

Similar storm damage has also been reported at Balleira in Michael, where coastal erosion has affected the slipway leading to the beach.

Balleira Access Slip in Kirk Michael is closed for a week following damage caused by wave action over the weekend
Balleira Access Slip in Kirk Michael has been closed following damage caused by the storm (DoI)

The island was battered by Storm Boelo in the early hours of Sunday, October 24, with the strongest gust reaching 72mph at the Point of Ayre, according to Ronaldsway Met Office forecaster Colin Gartshore.

He said the gust was not close to record strength.

During the storms, DoI teams responded to 85 fallen trees, 31 flooding incidents and more than 25 other storm-related call-outs.

The department has urged the public to stay away from the closed route while assessments are carried out.