The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment says ongoing work on Ragged Beach does not encompass the East Coast Trail.

Ragged Beach is within the Town of Witless Bay’s development control area. The Department says the town council applied for a permit, and officials determined that the work could be done in compliance with the Water Resources Act.

The Department says the permit to the town was for shoreline restoration and erosion control, and does not encompass the East Coast Trail.

Area residents have voiced their concerns that more than erosion control is happening, over what looks like a road being built across the beach.

The Department says they have and will continue to ensure that work is completed in adherence to to the intent and conditions of the permit.