Pier Steps to be made safer, despite no recorded accidents

Wednesday 25 July 2018

A bush hammer could be used to roughen up the surface of St Peter Port's Pier Steps to try and prevent anyone taking a tumble while walking between the High Street and the sea front.

The States Traffic and Highways Services team has asked for planning permission to make alterations to the steps.

The application will be considered on merit alongside all other planning requests lodged with the Development and Planning Authority. 

If approved work could start quickly as the project itself is likely to be relatively straight forward. A bush hammer would be used to roughen up the granite surface of the steps, making them less slippery especially when it has rained.

Above: A bush hammer in use 

Traffic and Highways Services said the St Peter Port Constables are also supporting the proposed work which would generally improve safety in the busy area in the heart of town.

"While Traffic and Highway Services has not received notification of any accidents at the steps, we have previously received reports from pedestrians concerned about the polished surface. Following recent inspections of the steps, and taking account of the success of work to bush hammer an area at the top of Smith Street in a similar condition, it was decided to treat the pier Steps. We have consulted with the St Peter Port Constables and they are supportive of improving the safety of the steps."

Town Constable Dennis Le Moignan said he and Jenny Tasker are both pleased with the planned improvements.

"As Constables of St. Peter Port we are pleased to support projects which make the Town safer for its users.

"The Pier Steps are used by thousands of people and can be slippery when wet, so a slight roughening of the surface, which has been successful in other areas of the town, has to be a good thing."