West Bay prom workis urgently needed

A 15-metre area of the promenade has suffered substantial deterioration due to the constant aggressive wave action over a number of years, councillors were told last week.

Immediate repair work has been recommended following an assessment by Capital Works, Energy & Infrastructure, to prevent further deterioration and extend the life of the prom.

The preliminary budget for the work is estimated at £285,000 and John Richardson, Council’s Head of Estates explained to members of the Environmental Services Committee the importance of the progressing the work.

“This section of the West Bay prom has been collapsed for approximately two years. the lower, angled section has been undermined by the sea and the work involves fitting steel piles and fitting a new section into two areas of the prom. We believe this work was first done 40 years ago and although it is a simple process it is very important to do.

“The rest of the structures are okay but these are two of many more to come. We will need to do this work very soon. If it isn’t it will undermine the prom wall which could collapse.”

Alderman William King was concerned at the excessive costs of the work to which Mr. Richardson added: “We have done detailed drawings and the costings can be calculated. It is a sizeable task and given where it is there is the problem getting plant equipment on to the beach and we will need to construct a ramp. A lot of supportive work is required to get equipment down there.”

The committee agreed to proceed with the work on a proposal by Ald King and seconded by Ald Sam Cole.