Extending coastal access will benefit the economies of seaside towns, the Ramblers said

The Ramblers’ boss is due on national television this evening to press the case for the England Coast Path.

Chief executive Benedict Southworth is scheduled to appear on BBC 2’s Newsnight as part of the walkers’ charity campaign urging the coalition Government to speed up the project which would see a right to walk the whole coastline of England.

The Ramblers said establishing the coastal path would boost the economies of seaside towns, many of which have been found to be languishing in comparative poverty in a report published today by the Centre for Social Justice.

The Ramblers and other outdoor groups have accused the Government of dragging its heels over the implementation of the England Coast Path, which is the result of the Marine and Coastal Access Act passed by the last Labour Government.

The charity pointed out the Wales Coast Path, which opened last year, brought an additional £16m to the Welsh economy, boosting growth, creating jobs and putting Wales on the map as a major tourist destination.

A Ramblers spokesperson said: “The England Coast Path has the potential to bring similar benefits to our shores for very little cost, less than £1 per metre, but the Government appears to have lost enthusiasm for the project.

“Today’s report on the poverty of seaside towns helps to highlight that, now more than ever, our coastal communities need a boost.

“This exciting project, to give all people access to their nation’s coastline and create a continuous path around our shore, can play a vital part in rejuvenating our ailing coastal communities as well as improving the health and wellbeing of the nation.

Benedict Southworth, due to be interviewed on Newsnight

“Wales and Scotland already have access to their coast and England is now lagging behind.

“The Ramblers are urging the Government to end the wait and ensure that we can all gain from the economic, health and wellbeing benefits of an England Coast Path.

Kate Conto, Ramblers senior policy officer, added: “Our coastal communities are crying out for rejuvenation.

“The England Coastal Path is a low cost project which will increase tourism and boost coastal economies, as well as spurring people on to get healthy and opening up the coast for families to walk, explore and enjoy.

“In these difficult times, when our seaside towns need it the most, we urge the Government to set out a timetable for completing this exciting project and open up the coast for all.”