OCHO RIOS, St Ann – Controversy surrounds the future of a beach in Ocho Rios as the property, now opened to the public, could soon be privatised and closed.

The property referred to as ‘Little Dunn's River’, located near popular attraction Mystic Mountain, is owned by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC).

Over the years, the beachfront property has been used by locals and visitors alike.

However, speculations are that the UDC is preparing to sell or lease the land to private investors, which would effectively end public use free-of-charge.

Tourism Minister Dr Wykeham McNeil, while not denying plans for privatisation distanced himself from the issue

"It's UDC's property and there are a number of proposals before them. I can't tell you what the final decision is," he told the Observer

Dr McNeil however stated that maintenance, as well as the safety of people using the property, were serious concerns.

According to the minister the trail to the property was dangerous and “it should be addressed before an incident occurs which could bring the property under question”.

"UDC has some decisions that they have to make, but it (the property) has to be cleaned up and properly maintained. It cannot be allowed to continue how it is going on,"," said Dr McNeil

"We have to be careful and protect our product. I am not comfortable with how it is right now," he added.