“Although the Council commendably and speedily agreed to replace the condemned structure with a temporary replacement, implementation has unfortunately taken longer than originally estimated.

“This has been due to a series of delays with Contractors, weather conditions and other factors too tedious to relate here. This has resulted in considerable inconvenience to local users and visitors alike. However, the big picture is that we can all now use the Steps again which is good news indeed.

“Furthermore, it is now unlikely that they will need to be closed again until a permanent structure is installed.

“It is important to note that the newly opened Steps are a temporary structure, pending a permanent disability-compliant replacement around the rock-face. There has been a welcome firming-up in the Council’s plans to commission a new structure.

“A fresh round of consultant’s reports has been completed and meetings, on which FRAW has representation, have been held to take the project forward. A couple of issues remain, to be clarified with partner and regulator organisations. Once these are resolved there is nothing to prevent the preparation of a detailed design ready for the tendering of the actual construction.

“Substantial funds have been allocated for this last stage of preparatory work and even possibly beyond. All this has all been a protracted business and it is too early to celebrate as there have been many ‘false dawns’ to date but there are now real grounds for optimism and a clear way ahead.”