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Bay steps to close for cliff safety works

Bay steps to close for cliff safety works

Tuesday 30 April 2024

Bay steps to close for cliff safety works

Tuesday 30 April 2024


Public access via footpaths to Petit Port and Moulin Huet will be restricted to allow teams to remove loose material from the cliff faces ahead of the summer season.

The steps at Petit Port closed yesterday and will remain shut until 10 May to also allow debris to be cleared from recently upgraded rock fencing and identify any structural problems.

Walked access to the beach was restored last August after a landslip in 2022 led to significant remedial works to keep users safe. 

Meanwhile a day’s worth of maintenance will occur at Moulin Huet on 3 May with steps to the eastern side shut, but the western bay will remain accessible. 

Any boaters seeking to access the bays via the water can still do so. 

Teams will access the cliffs by rope and the work is being carried out now that conditions are drier and less windy. 

Routine inspections of beach entrances will also be conducted. 

moulin Huet

Pictured: Moulin Huet.

The States said: “Anyone visiting the south coast beaches should be aware that the bays are prone to rock and soft cliff falls. Due to the changing nature of the cliff face, islanders should not sit or play near the base of cliffs because of the increased risk of injury in the event of a fall. 

“Soft cliffs of loose clays and small stones, such as those at Fermain, Moulin Huet, Petit Bot and Portelet can collapse without warning, particularly after periods of heavy rain. Cliff faces weather over a period of years through wind, rainfall or freeze/thaw conditions, which increases the risk of rock falls.

"The growth of vegetation, or small earth tremors that might not be felt, can also cause numerous small changes over time that can lead to rock falls.” 

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