Sand rails access way update - 22 September 2025

The sand rails access way project is now complete, with the official opening talking place on Friday 19 September 2025. The opening event was attended by around twenty five representatives from organisations who have been involved in the deign and delivery of the project. This included Cornwall Council staff and councillors, Cormac, Bude-Stratton Town Council staff and councillors, Active8, Bude Canal and Harbour Society, the Environment Agency and Future Coast Bude.
	The access way was officially opened with a ribbon cutting by MP for North Cornwall, Ben Maguire, and Cornwall Councillor, Peter LaBroy. Cllr LaBroy spoke to the group, drawing attention to the large amount of funding that had been spent in recent times to manage and maintain local flood and coastal erosion risk assets. He also thanked local stakeholders for their invaluable input in to the project, which required a careful balance of heritage and accessibility needs.
The project was made possible through £308,000 of Future Coast Bude funding. Future Coast Bude is funded by Defra as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programme, which is managed by the Environment Agency. An additional £300,000 of Cornwall Council funding was used to stabilise the embankment. Ben Maguire, also attended and made a speech. He said, “…Projects such as Future Coast Bude are national exemplars of forward thinking and innovation. This also represents a significant investment by DEFRA and Bude is only one of only two communities chosen in the Southwest to be allocated funding. Well done Bude – you have done Cornwall proud.”
	Peter Daniel, Secretary of the Bude Canal and Harbour Society talked to those gathered about the significant historical importance of the sand rails. A new information board is being produced to reflect this and will be installed in the near future. The production of this is being supported by the Heritage Centre at Bude Castle. The information board will also explain what will be done with the additional concrete setts which were not able to be set in to the access way. Having received feedback from the community, the more complete setts will be used to make a bench, which will be sited in close proximity to the sand rails. Another sett will be on display, alongside part of the track which was removed, at the Bude Barge Workshop in Helebridge.
Thank you to all who have been involved in this project, which has taken nearly eight years, from start to finish, to complete. We have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback we have received from the community and those on holiday. This is a much-treasured asset to Bude, and by providing this walk way on to the beach at Summerleaze, it is hoped we can allow continued access for those requiring step free access, long in to the future.

Categories: Sand Rails Access Work Update