A TEMPORARY solution has seen a storm-hit Sidmouth tourist attraction reopen – but it will be ‘some time’ before a permanent fix is found.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) reopened the viewing area at Connaught Gardens last Friday, May 2.

The area has been secured by posts and rails after a weakened wall had to be demolished for safety reasons, leaving it shut.

An EDDC spokesman said of the work: “This is a temporary solution to make the area safe. It will be some time before a permanent structure is put in place.”

The job is part of a £10,000 clean-up by the council that is the legacy of raging winter storms early this year. Repairs were carried out on the Alma Walkway and Jacob’s Ladder and completed in time for the Easter break.

The walkway needed new fencing rails while the concrete apron below Jacob’s Ladder also required attention.

The stairway itself had been closed due to structural damage to the woodwork. A metal brace was fitted.