‘Foolish’ vandals have been blamed for causing damage to cliff steps on Exmouth seafront, which could put beach users at risk.

Exmouth Journal: Damaged steps at Orcombe Point leading to Rodney Bay. Picture by Alex Walton. Ref exe 1629-19-13AWDamaged steps at Orcombe Point leading to Rodney Bay. Picture by Alex Walton. Ref exe 1629-19-13AW (Image: Archant)

The steps, which run up from Rodney Bay, attracted the ire of Exmouth resident Chloe Fox, who contacted the Journal last week to complain about their condition.

She said: “The steps are so dangerous, visitors are shocked by the state of them. There is no left handrail to lean on at all, the warning tape has blown away.

“When the tide comes in, these steps are the only escape from Rodney Bay, they are necessary for coastal safety and should be kept in good repair for this purpose.

“It is a frightening experience to use the steps at the moment. The season has started and visitors and their children are scared to use them, with good reason.”

When the Journal contacted Devon County Council, which is responsible for the steps, it said they had now been repaired, and the damage was due to vandalism.

A spokesman said: “The Rodney steps are inspected regularly and unfortunately we often find that they are targeted by vandals.

“The culprits are putting themselves at risk and are also creating a hazard for everyone else who wants to use the steps.

“If anyone saw those responsible for causing this damage we would urge them to report it to the police.”

Ward councillor Eileen Wragg added: “This vandalism is putting people’s lives at risk. It’s an escape footpath from the incoming tide, so it’s absolutely foolish, and I don’t think the people who cause this sort of damage realise the implications of what they are doing.”