Guernsey Press

Cow’s Horn steps to be reopened next year

THE steps up to Clarence Battery, known colloquially as the Cow’s Horn, should finally reopen by the end of next year, with a tender process due to start in January.

Published
Closed in early 2020, the steps to Clarence Battery should be repaired and reopened next year. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 31592439)

Environment & Infrastructure has had funding approved to reinstate the Victorian structure.

The steps collapsed in early 2020, following heavy rainfall.

Repairs were then delayed due to Covid restrictions delaying off-island specialists inspecting the area.

The funding, which was approved by Policy & Resources, will cover stabilising the slopes either side of the entrance to the former Aquarium and the building of steps to create access to the battery.

Planning permission will be required before any work can start.

An invitation to tender for the works will be issued during early 2023.

E&I president Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez said islanders had missed the feature.

‘Protecting our coastal infrastructure is rarely a quick fix and often requires careful technical investigation, as has been the case at the Cow’s Horn,’ she said.

‘We have been careful to do this right so that we avoid the same problems recurring, or worse, later down the line.

‘We all want to see this work carried out as soon as possible, so now we’ve done the necessary technical investigation it’s good to see this moving to the next stage.’

The expected cost is not being revealed, as it could prejudice the tender process, but it has previously been expected to be six figures.

Vive La Vallette is a charity that has been regenerating the cafe and changing facilities at the nearby bathing pools.

Chairman David Warr was delighted to hear work would start soon.

‘Since opening the new facilities in June, we have received regular enquiries as to the future of the steps following the landslide in early 2020,’ he said.

‘I am hopeful that now funding has been approved, the work will be completed on a timely basis, and this important gateway will once again be open for all to enjoy.’

It is anticipated that works could begin in the third quarter of 2023, to be completed by the end of next year.