Cornwall Council has said it expects the road at Coverack to be reopened to traffic on May 19, one month later than originally hoped.

The council recognised concerns expressed by local residents over the condition of the road and coastal defences at Coverack, after the collapse of a large part of the sea wall and the road above left the village essentially split in two.

The wall was damaged during storms at the start of February, and the council plugged the gap and started repairs before a second collapse took away the road, footpath, and protective railings, and over the past few weeks emergency repair works have been carried out.

Cornwall Council said: “We had originally hoped to complete the repairs to the road and reopen it in time for the Easter weekend.

“Unfortunately initial investigations found that the ground was extremely weathered and, therefore, unsuitable for creating a firm foundation for the wall. This meant that additional excavation and concreting was needed.

“The repair requires several concrete pours, with each level having to set before the next stage could take place.

“The road is now expected to be re- opened to traffic on May 19. Traffic lights will |then be used to control the traffic until the facing stone works are completed.”

The council also said a strip of land including a section of coastal path near Dolor Point is threatened by erosion.

As the land is owned by Coverack Parish Council, Cornwall Council has requested an urgent update on the progress of its plans to enhance the coastal defences, and has offered to provide expert advice and support if required.

The council added: “Staff from CORMAC are carrying out urgent inspections of the South West Coast Path across the whole of Cornwall and are working with partners in a number of areas to ensure that the path remains open and accessible.”