A NEW coastal path stretching 25 miles from Maldon to Salcott is in the pipeline to give people better access to the coast.

Natural England and Essex Coun- ty Council are exploring how to improve the 190 miles of coastline in the county as part of the England Coast Path project.

The coast has been split into ten sections including Burnham to Mal- don, Salcott to Jaywick and Jaywick to Harwich.

The Maldon to Salcott route – the first of the Essex-based proposals - was published last week with the public now being able to have their say.

Natural England expects the cost of the new proposed route to be £46,099 and will include new signs, gates and access and surfacing.

They estimate it could cost £23,564 a year to maintain the trail.

The new route will provide access to the coast at Tollesbury Wick, Gold- hanger and Heybridge Basin.

Andrew Cook, Essex County Council director for highways and trans- portation, said: “The Maldon to Salcott section covers a beautiful, wild part of Essex coastline.

“It’s important that residents get involved in the development of the England Coast Path at this early stage to ensure we can create a route that works for residents, businesses and visitors to the county.”

Following the consultation the Secretary of State will then decide whether to approve the proposals.

They can be viewed at bit.ly/2mSskIU.

Comments can be made by calling 02080263837, emailing essexcoastalaccess@naturalengland.org.uk or writing to Essex Coastal Access Delivery Team, Natural England, Area 3A, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR.