Wednesday 16 July 2014
Guernsey Press Enquiry:
The department helpfully sent through some details about Petit Port steps back in May.
Since then I have heard reports that a full inspection of the damage could be delayed for several years and any repairs would need to take place after that. Meanwhile the steps are still being used and have very little visible damage, apart from a damaged fence at the bottom, caused by a minor rock fall.
I know the department has commented before that the steps have been undermined, but could someone give some more details about what has happened (e.g. how far up does the damage extend, has earth been washed away from underneath?), as there is little apparent visible damage.
Are there concerns about people are still using the steps, how much risk is there and could any further measures be put in place to stop this?
I know the department has said before that budget restraints have meant the steps will not reopen this summer. But can the department confirm whether an inspection to determine and cost potential repairs has been done or, if not, when an inspection could take place?
Also, in the long-term, is there any general idea how much that work could cost and when it could take place (even if it's a few years down the line).
Lastly, these steps were extensively repaired in 2005 and yet they have serious problems. Can I check how much the 2005 work cost and whether concerns been raised with the contractor about how this much damage has been done to the steps, just nine years after the work was done?
If you can get back to me by 4pm tomorrow (Tuesday), that would be a great help.
Environment Department Response:
As stated in May, sections of the slipway were found to be undermined at the end of the annual scheduled works to scale the cliffs when the beach levels dropped and revealed voids beneath the structure. These voids are not apparent when the beach levels return to their usual level during the summer.
There are no records to confirm when the slipway was built and it is likely, though not confirmed, that the slipway has no foundation and was constructed over loose boulders and shingle. Over the years shingle has been washed away from beneath the vertical face of the slipway leaving the pedestrian walkway unsupported in some areas. The short flight of four steps from the slipway to the beach are also damaged and undermined. It is due to the concern for the unsupported structure of the slipway, together with the damage to the steps to the beach, that the Environment Department closed the staircase to the bay following the advice of the States Property Services Engineers that areas in front of the slipway wall need to be cleared by a contractor to allow a more detailed inspection to determine the undermining.
This detailed inspection of the slipway will allow an assessment to be made of the options for repairing the structure.
At present the Engineers are focusing resources of time on a number of urgent works on coastal defences and the harbour which are protecting Guernsey's essential infrastructure and as such they must take precedence. The inspection of the damage at Petit Port has not yet been arranged and will take place as soon as the staff resources allow but funding for works will also have to be considered. Depending on the outcome it may be necessary to proceed to a form of tender for the repair works to ensure value for money. Prior to that procedure it is not sensible for the Department to give information on the potential cost of any repair works at a remote site such as Petit Port.
The works referred to in 2005 were to construct three new flights of steps on the original route following a substantial land slip onto the alternative route. This newer section of steps is not affected, the damage is restricted to the old slipway structure and access steps to the beach. However, the Department would reiterate that it is not possible to guarantee the long-term viability of this path given the natural erosion occurring to cliffs. It is not always possible to mitigate against substantial movements of rock here which may be accelerated by natural processes of wind, frost and heavy rainfall.
The Department regrets that the steps remain closed for the foreseeable future. A barrier has been installed across the top of the steps and wired closed with clear signage that access to the beach via the staircase may be dangerous. It is recommended that for their own safety people do not use the steps. Interference with the barrier to give access may place more vulnerable people at risk.
Contact Information:
Environmental Services Unit
Environment Department
Tel: 717200
