A SECTION of coastal path damaged by severe winter weather has reopened – in time for the Easter bank holiday weekend.

Part of the Bulverhythe Coastal Link between Hastings and Bexhill was left damaged by a severe storm in October and forced to close after being battered by three subsequent storms.

The damaged 300m section of the route, which is shared by cyclists and pedestrians, is now accessible again after East Sussex County Council contractors installed a temporary surface.

The authority is now investigating options for a permanent solution to the damaged section, working with the Environment Agency, which is responsible for repairing the sea defences.

Cllr Carl Maynard, county council lead member for transport and environment, said: “We understand the inconvenience which has been caused on a short section of the route as a result of the extreme weather which battered the coast during the winter.

“It’s important that we ensure the permanent surface is capable of meeting the demands of this exposed stretch of coastline and that we take a joined-up approach, working closely with the Environment Agency as they repair the sea defences.

“We’d like to thank pedestrians and cyclists for bearing with us over the past few months and we’re delighted to be able to reopen the route in time for one of the busiest weekends of the year.”