Petit Port steps 'too dangerous' to maintain

The department has reiterated its warning that the public should not be using the footpath.

Earlier this year it was discovered that the beach levels had dropped and voids had appeared under the slipway – although these gaps are not clearly visible in 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,' an Environment spokesman said.

'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.'

Deputy Brehaut said the States engineers had warned that it was not safe. But he denied claims by residents nearby that the steps had been left to become overgrown in a bid to cut costs.

'It would be irresponsible to clean and maintain the access to the beach when the steps are dangerous and it will be closed for the foreseeable future,' he said.

Deputy Brehaut said the department will meet St Martin's constables to discuss costings.

The storms earlier this year exhausted the coastal maintenance part of the Environment Department's budget and Treasury and Resources has agreed to supply some money for repairs.

Deputy Brehaut said the department had to prioritise that money.