Yes, agreed. I don't believe there is any suggestion from any source of a permanent closure. Previously a temporary closure of 2 or 3 days for maintenance was sufficient.

I and others are saying its safety could be improved by maintenance and replacing the handrails at the top of the stairs. Local authorities are bound to maintain public structures to reasonable safety standards. I am fortunately at present steady enough on my feet to not require handrails, others may not be, especially when ice or snow or wet leaves are present.

I am not a lawyer but I believe it applies to all feasible access especially in public areas, in due course. Maybe we can leave that part to the lawyers

As we agreed in the first paragraph, whatever the access situation, public pressure would not permit a permanent closure. Other right-of-way legislation would also apply.