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Most people will have to wait a little longer to enjoy one of the south coast’s best beaches, with the second phase of landslip remedial works yet to begin around the Petit Port steps.
Pedestrian access to the beach was cut off last March due to safety concerns. An expert technical engineer who reviewed a drone survey of the area following landslips at the end of 2021 deemed that remediation should be undertaken.
Rock-catch netting in place around the public pathway managed to contain falling debris, but there were fears that it would be compromised by further rock falls.
Planning permission was granted to install fresh rock-catch netting in November, but a contractor is yet to be appointed.
Emily Coule, Natural Environment Officer, also said that since rope access will be required to carry out the work it “can only be carried out when there are drier ground conditions and longer spells of good weather”.
Only boaters have been able to access the beach over the last 12 months, but the States advise that the cliff bottoms and steps should be avoided.
Pictured: It had been hoped that the steps could've reopened at the end of 2022.
The first phase of work at Petit Port was completed last summer, which consisted of removing loose stones, and a series of investigations to determine how much work was required, and the structural integrity of the cliff face.
Ms Coule said the works are just part of a wide programme of coastal maintenance works currently being carried out by the States.
“Improvements to the shingle bank completed at Les Fontenelles being one of the last projects of a busy 2022,” she said.
“Dune restoration works have begun at Grandes Rocques, and a programme of works are due to commence to maintain both our natural and manmade coastal infrastructure.
“Works in other areas continue, such as the work recently started at L’Ancresse, but those protecting key infrastructure for Island life are given the highest priority.”
Petit Port steps works to begin
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