BRODICK residents have begun a campaign to try to save their beach.

The beach is leased to North Ayrshire Council by Arran Estates who extracted sand on a commercial basis from it over several decades – some of it being sold to the Middle East, The campaign group – who have started a Facebook page called ‘Save Brodick Beach’ – believe the removal of the sand is leading to erosion of the coastline and the banks of the Cloy Burn.

The erosion and rising water levels have now led to the closure of Fisherman’s Walk, a footpath that skirts the golf course from Brodick to Cladach.

Craig Hatton, Corporate Director of Development and Environment at North Ayrshire Council has written to the group saying: “As you are aware the responsibility for management and maintenance of coastal areas lies with the landowner, in this instance Arran Estates.

“The council leases part of the area subject to erosion and in accordance with the requirements of the lease, carried out works, in the form of geotextile sacks to prevent pollution arising from the escape of material from the historic landfill site.

“However, the lease does not pass any maintenance responsibilities arising from erosion to the council and therefore these remain also with the landowner.

“Fisherman’s Walk is a Public Right of Way and therefore the landowner must undertake appropriate maintenance works under the Countryside (Scotland) Act, Appropriate maintenance works to maintain passage may include protection, reinstatement or diversion.

“Given that this route forms part of the Arran Coastal Way there may be external funding available to undertake works to maintain it’s continuity.

“I am currently arranging to meet with representatives of the landowner to discuss any plans they may have to protect the coastline and maintain the pathway in line with the requirements of the relevant legislation.” In correspondence with the campaign group, Dr Alistair Rennie Scottish National Heritage’s Coastal Erosion Coordinator said: “I understand your concern at the deteriorating condition of Brodick Bay, which I feel is justified.

“I have reviewed the historical maps and can confirm the underlying pattern you’ve highlighted.

“There has been in the order of 40-50m of erosion along much of the beach over the past 100 or so years and there is perhaps an apparent increase in the rate in the last few decades.

“Whilst this may offer little comfort in the short term, I would like to reassure you that the matter of coastal erosion is gaining interest across organisations, local authorities etc.” Charles Fforde owner of Arran Estates and laird of 16,300 acres of land on the island said: “We are having a meeting with the Council on Friday.

“I know residents are concerned but if anybody should be concerned it’s me.

“The wind and the tide are greater than any of us.”