An unsafe and unsightly eyesore has been fenced off but the future of Corkickle’s broken steps is still in the air.

A Copeland council spokesman said the authority is still considering options for the steps which provide access to the Whitehaven Amateurs grounds and also to the cycle track.

Copeland borough and town councillor Gemma Dinsdale said she has been battling for 15 months to have the steps repaired.

Coun Dinsdale said she was upset that she was having to air the problem publicly but said she has been asking for the steps to be fixed and made safe for more than 15 months.

Until Copeland’s actions this week, she said , the only action she saw was the borough and county councils and Home Group arguing over who was responsible for the steps.

Copeland has taken action this week. A county spokesman said the steps belonged to Copeland and Home Group has not responded to requests for comment.

“It is still for such a small job. They literally just need the loose slabs and bricks re-cemented back on. In my opinion it is a half-an-hour job with very little cost needed for supplies as the bricks and slabs are still in working condition and lying around on the grass bank next to them.

“At a time when people are being encouraged to social distance, they would be good to use for those able, as they run between a winding walkway and work as an alternative route when it is busy.”

She said the steps are the main access point into Corkickle for the Coast 2 Coast seen by tourists as well as residents.

“They give the impression that Whitehaven is run down and that we show no pride.”