Friday 06 November 2015
Environment response to Island FM media query
Media Enquiry from Island FM:
I would like to speak to someone if possible regarding the situation with the sea wall/German built wall at Pembroke/L'Ancresse.
I was listening to the States debate last week and although we covered it then, the nature of our news bulletins means we couldn't focus on it too much then. So, if possible, could the Environment Department now explain what it intends to do regarding the cracks in the wall along Pembroke/L'Ancresse and how it may impact on the surrounding area.
Other deputies often give us a copy of their speeches/answers to known questions after they have read them out in the States - would you be able to do this with Deputy Burford's?
Environment Department Response:
The German anti-tank wall and the supporting concrete apron in front are essentially sitting on the sand.
The apron is not attached to the wall with steel and as both structures have no firm foundation they are gradually overturning.
Gaps between wall and apron have been backfilled with concrete several times at a cost of around £10,000-£20,000 each time but the force of the sea removes the repair very quickly. Consequently the apron is sliding forward onto the beach. Cracks are occurring on the walls which are moving more slowly than the apron
Rebuilding this length of wall to modern engineering standards with a good foundation would cost several million pounds.
With no vital infrastructure or significant building in the vicinity it is considered that the most cost effective way to manage the defence of L'Ancresse is to allow a return to the natural alignment of the edge of the beach, as it was in 1940 before the wall was built. No flooding of the Common was recorded before the wall was build and landscaping along the line of the historic 'backline' of the beach to encourage dunes to develop would prevent flooding in future.
The development of the sand dune would offer a much better beach experience for visitors with more dry sand available between tides, similar to Port Soif and Grandes Rocques.
Resolving the issues at this wall and at Fermain are on the Departments list of priority works BUT there are other walls that are considered to be severely damaged requiring urgent works and which are of much greater strategic importance. These other walls along the West and East coast protect major roads, essential utilities, housing and commerce and present much more serious flooding risks if breached. These works are, therefore, higher on the Department's priority list.
Contact Information:
Environmental Services Unit
Environment Department
Tel: 717200
