METAL fencing has created a “hazardous mess” at a beach following the large swells and stormy weather at the weekend.

Contractors Cormac building a new slipway at Seaton Beach moved a digger ahead of the big seas that were forecast but left fencing panels behind, said Downderry resident William Edwards.

He’s now worried that some of the fencing has become submerged in the sand and will not be visible to people in the water apart from at low tide.

“The big swells and high tides had been predicted for weeks and talked about by locals and reported in the news, but seemed to go unnoticed by the Council and contractors constructing a new slip way on the beach,” said William.

“The fencing has now washed into the sea with sharp spikes sticking up out of the sand only visible at low tide.

“This beach is a public beach and during the pandemic has seen record numbers of people descending on it, for all-year-round swimming and recreational activities, also many young children often paddle on the shoreline. These people could now be put in danger due to the council and its contractors.”

William said that a digger which had been left on the beach was moved off the beach on Saturday, but the fencing was left and claimed by the second high tide.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “There was an incident involving our works at Seaton. While precautions were taken and our teams were aware of the high tides, unfortunately the size of the swell caught them out on this occasion. The panels have been retrieved where safe to do so and any remaining equipment will be cleared as the tide and conditions allow.

“We have experienced difficulties at this site because of the exceptional size of the swell and are dealing with any issues that we encounter as best we can.”

Work on the concrete slipway, which is being installed to allow for emergency vehicles to enter the beach at Seaton, is now almost done.

The slipway will be largely under the level of the existing beach at most times. A timber gate will be installed as well as a bollard to prevent the entry of unauthorised vehicles.