Appeal for parts of '˜joke' Gobbins to be re-opened

The entrance to the Gobbins cliff path at Wise's Eye. Picture by Press Eye

An ex-councillor wants parts of the Gobbins path which don't pose a rockfall risk to reopen, likening its closure to a 'nanny state' act.

Former Alliance councillor John Mathews, who was a member of the Gobbins steering group on Larne Borough Council, says that the prolonged closure of the flagship tourist attraction has turned it into “a joke” and that the council needs to “get creative” to reopen parts of the path to visitors.

He is now calling for an inquiry into the situation at the £7.5 million pound facility, which has only been accessible to the public for six of the 12 months since it first opened.

“I think the council is being overly cautious regarding the Gobbins,” said Mr Mathews, whose home overlooks the Gobbins path.

In an updated statement, Mid and East Antrim council said that the viewing platform and access path, up to the entrance of the cliff path walk at Wise’s Eye, remain open.

A spokesperson encouraged visitors to go to the visitor centre, which is also still open, for more information.

However, Mr Mathews said he felt council should do “something more creative which would foster goodwill for when the path is ready to fully reopen.”

“At the minute the visitor centre is still open, but what use is that if you can’t see the attraction?” he asked.