A jetty in a popular Isle of Wight beauty spot has fallen into disrepair and been closed.

It awaits demolition and would cost the National Trust more than £100,000 to rebuild, it has been revealed.  

A sign on the jetty warns that the structure is unsafe to use and will be “completely removed in the near future”.

The trust says it has been maintaining the jetty for more than 40 years, though it has no legal obligation to do so.

“Hamstead jetty has been independently assessed as unsafe, and we have been advised it needs to be rebuilt rather than just repaired,” said a spokesperson for the trust.

Isle of Wight County Press: The jetty at Lower Hamstead, Newtown. Pictures by Mark Bailey.The jetty at Lower Hamstead, Newtown. Pictures by Mark Bailey. (Image: Mark Bailey)

“The estimate for this work is in excess of £100,000 which we do not have the resources to meet.

“However, we hope to work with Hamstead Estate to find a long term, affordable solution.

“In the meantime, our priority is visitor safety, so the jetty has been closed.”

Isle of Wight County Press: The jetty at Lower Hamstead, Newtown. Picture by Mark Bailey.The jetty at Lower Hamstead, Newtown. Picture by Mark Bailey. (Image: Mark Bailey.)