I am writing after reading Albert Edward's comments regarding the closed undercliff walk, between Rottingdean and Brighton Marina (Letters, January 28).

Last week I had a rare day off work and chose to walk with my friend to the marina after taking our children to school. My friend was to commence her work shift and I was heading to Asda. We reached the beginning of the marina and my friend left me there to walk up the slope leading to the cliff and her workplace. I continued to walk on my way to Asda.

But there was no access. All gates were locked at that part of the public walkway. So I walked back to the other end of the marina thinking I'd walk into and through the marina to get to my destination. No access again - all gates locked.

OK, I'll have to go up the slope and walk all the way over the cliff and back round again. Tired and now very hungry, I reached the top of the slope - no access again. It was all blocked off - I was trapped. Asda was calling me in the distance but I simply couldn't get there.

My two options were either to walk back to Rottingdean or attempt to climb through the fence.

There were no signs in place at Rottingdean to give any warning that all exits at the marina were well and truly blocked off.

As a care manager, I was concerned about other people experiencing the same frustrations as me when they came to the iron gates, for instance older people, mums with pushchairs, people who have diabetes and so on. I phoned the council who assured me they would look into it and give me some feedback as soon as possible. At the time of writing, a week later, I'm still waiting.

I expect better planning and co-ordination when it comes to blocking off vital chunks of our coastal walkways and, at the very least, a response - maybe even an apology from a council representative, regarding the inconvenience caused for me and hopefully not too many others.

  • Amy Nela, Heathfield Avenue, Saltdean