Further investigation works are set to be carried out following a partial collapse of a promenade.
Last month, two rectangular-shaped sections of the seafront walkway in Southwold fall inward following erosion and stormy weather.
A section of the promenade was cordoned off on December 19 and and an investigation was launched to find the cause of the collapse, which left a whole in the walkway.
Further investigation works are set to be carried out following a partial collapse of the Southwold promenade. Picture: Jonathan Hadgraft
Water Management Alliance carried out inspections this week, but further ground investigations are required to ensure there is no unexploded ordnance or obstructions on the beach.
These investigations will be carried out by East Suffolk Council’s contractor Belfour Beatty from Monday, January 20 and are expected to last two weeks.
Cllr Mark Packard, cabinet member for planning and coastal management at the council, said: “These investigations will enable our coastal management team to progress the repairs to the sea wall and promenade north of the pier.
A section of the promenade north of Southwold Pier will remain closed until repairs to the sea wall are finished. Picture: Water Management Alliance
“Repairs to the ‘toe’ of the sea wall were scheduled for later this year however following the promenade collapse last month, these works now need to be brought forward as quickly as possible.
“We are continuing to work with our contractors and consenting organisations to expedite this process.”
Once the investigation works are complete, repairs to the sea wall will commence.
Part of the promenade collapsed a few days before Christmas
A timescale for the start of these repairs will be confirmed later this month and the promenade will remain closed until they are finished.
Separately, routine repair and maintenance work between Gun Hill and Southwold Pier will also begin on Monday, January 20 and is expected to last two weeks.
Water Management Alliance will be replacing fixings used to secure groyne timbers, repairing joints in the promenade and reducing trip hazards where necessary.
These are scheduled works and are unrelated to the repairs to the promenade north of the pier.