Settlement over beach path row

Castle Cove in Dartmouth has been closed since 1999

A much loved south Devon beach is set to be re-opened to the public after being shut for the past six years.

Devon County councillors have recommended £140,000 be spent on repairing the path down to Castle Cove in Dartmouth.

The steep footpath to the cove was damaged by storms in 1999 and has been closed ever since.

The continued closure had aroused strong feeling locally and a campaign group was formed to reopen the cove.

'Absolutely delighted'

About 7,000 people signed a petition and a question was even asked about the matter in the House of Commons.

County and Dartmouth District Councillor Jonathan Hawkins said it had taken a long time for this major breakthrough.

"It's been going on for almost six years," he said.

"I'm absolutely delighted this recommendation is going forward to the executive and it's a way forward in reopening this long overdue problem of Castle Cove."