A popular Angus path has been closed off due to coastal erosion.
The condition of part of the coastal path at Esk Road in Montrose was brought to the attention of Councillor David May.
It appears the adverse weather and rising sea levels has affected the popular route which is close to the main railway track.
Mr May carried out a site visit after the matter was raised and got in touch with the roads department after seeing the erosion.
He said a senior officer also conducted a site visit following his intervention and as a result the path has now been closed.
Mr May said: “He explained that this was on safety grounds and he along with other officers will look at the steps which need to be taken to resolve the issues. I agreed with him about the closure on safety grounds in the short term but I raised my concerns about this popular path.
“Unless action is taken the erosion could get worse and eventually the path would be completely eroded away.”
Mr May also raised concerns about possible problems in future years if action is not taken as the road is close to Thomson Terrace and the railway line.
The erosion has made further inroads into the path during the festive season and more of the fence has now come down.
Mr May returned to the area at high tide and said it was clear the water level was very close to the path.
Montrose Community Council chairman Gordon Brown has also raised concerns at the state of the path and fears the spring tides could make the problem even worse.
Last year updated plans to protect Montrose Beach from erosion by the North Sea were revealed to councillors.
The project aims to slow the rate of erosion in the beach’s dune system by increasing the height of the upper beach.
This reduces the susceptibility of the dunes from waves. Coastal storms in December 2012 caused significant damage to the sand fencing, which was subsequently re-erected.
Dundee University will continue to monitor the beach on a regular basis during the project and after major storm events.
Coastal erosion has had a very adverse effect on the beach and has meant the loss of some of its classic and historic golf course.