Smooth Bathing Pools concrete is a hazard
WHILST I love coming to Guernsey and married into the island family, so to speak, two issues have arisen I have to comment on. The first is the condition of the Guernsey flag outside the tourist office – embarrassing is the word, it’s grey and tattered, is there no pride in the States? Secondly the new works at the La Vallette Children’s Pool, did the States not realise when they laid the concrete that children don’t normally read the caution slippery when wet signs? Why on earth lay smooth concrete and not ridged? Twice in the space of 20 minutes we watched two accidents and there was no running. Why put a warning sign at all? I am no lawyer but the design is open for people to sue the States. I foresee a bad accident happening, hope I am wrong.
MARTIN WARD
Response from Agriculture, Countryside & Land Management:
ACLMS is aware the new surfaces at the pools are slippery and we are working to resolve this. When concrete sets, it can create a ‘glossy’ layer which is typically worn away quickly, revealing a rough surface underneath. However, to speed up this process we are arranging a treatment which will ‘etch’ the surface to increase grip.
Two main areas of concern have already been treated: the sloped areas to the south of the Ladies’ pools and the upper and lower parts of the sloped access ramp. The rest of the new concrete surface at the Ladies’ and Children’s pools are due to be treated next week and they will be closed for treatment on alternating days.
ACLMS will review the pools after the treatment to ensure the risk has been reduced and see if further action is required.