Rock towers could be removed

Wednesday 20 May 2020

Rock towers around the island - some of which have been constructed using building materials - will be monitored by the States and removed if they are deemed to be unsafe.

Agriculture, Countryside & Land Management Services (ACLMS) has been made aware of a number of large structures being built in high places, such as on top of bunkers and coastal walls, where rocks may topple and injure people sitting or walking underneath.

A spokesperson for the States said they understood the spirit behind the displays, however these cannot be left in place if they cause a risk to others. 

"In the spirit of Guernsey Together, there have been many creative ways in which Islanders have spread joy, hope and togetherness," they said. 

"One such way is through the building of rock towers, which can be seen along vast areas of the coastline. However, islanders are encouraged to be aware of the risks some structures pose on other members of the public, wildlife and the environment.

"If rocks fall from their positions onto roads, they can cause damage to vehicles and place an extra workload on road clearance. On footpaths and grassland these rocks can disrupt the machinery used when carrying out coastal grass maintenance and become a danger to passers-by or vehicles if stones are flicked out during the process."

Pictured: Some rock towers have been finely balanced and constructed several storeys high.

More recently, building material has been used to make structures taller and more permanent. An example of this is a structure at Vazon, which has been constructed using a "cement-like material".

"Higher structures like this also pose a public health risk, as well as the risk of damaging sea defences if they become dislodged," said the spokesperson. 

"Other important things to consider is that too much material removed from the beach can also affect the ecology of the area and the collection of rocks may disturb seabirds which will be breeding on these shingle banks at this time of year.

"Some rock towers have also been painted in line with the hugely successful and positive "Share The Rainbow" campaign. But what must be considered is that, eventually, any painted rocks will be returned to the beach, which will disturb natural vistas.

"The same consideration should be given to the painting of naturalised boulders which will stand in the landscape for many years."

Pictured top: A rock display along the front.