Safety warning as erosion bites at Moray beach

A LOCAL councillor has urged people to watch their step as erosion bites at Kingston beach.

Tides have now pushed through the gravel bar at the shingle beach which has eroded badly in recent years.

Campaigners have warned that the beach could disappear within a matter of years, saying one more bad storm could be enough, exposing the village to the risk of flooding.

Following recent significant rainfall and high tides, Councillor Marc Macrae (Fochabers Lhanbryde) took an inspection walk along the beach.

Mr Macrae said: "The situation at the beach has been long known and the communities of Garmouth and Kingston often face a real worry whenever heavy rainfall is forecast or indeed is combined with a high tide.

"The shoreline continues to erode and only recently I was assured by council officers that heras fencing was being installed near the play area in Kingston where significant chunks of the bank have eroded and fallen away.

"I would encourage anyone walking along the shoreline or indeed parents supervising their children at play to exercise caution and keep away from the edge."

Mr Macrae said residents have met council staff and Crown Estate representatives over the erosion of the shingle bank and threat to nearby properties.

He warned beach users: "With the darker days of winter upon us, take care underfoot and keep a watchful eye if out walking your dog that it also doesn’t slip."

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