Avenue of Remembrance closed after the dramatic landslip – Library image SCOPIX
Get ready for action! Following a dramatic landslide near The Vinery in February 2024, triggered by record-breaking rainfall, Folkestone & Hythe District Council is charging ahead with a bold plan to secure the cliffs below The Leas.
This crucial work, slated to kick off this autumn, will pave the way for the much-anticipated refurbishment of the Lower Leas Coastal Park play area!
Quick-thinking council teams acted swiftly after the slip, implementing immediate protective measures to safeguard the popular play zone. Now, after rigorous high-level surveys and expert technical assessments, a comprehensive remediation strategy has been forged.
Prepare for some serious engineering prowess! The ambitious plan involves a robust combination of high tensile mesh, soil nailing, draped netting, and the construction of a formidable high king post wall. This multi-layered approach will fortify the cliff face and dramatically reduce the risk of future landslips.
While this vital stabilisation work takes place, set to begin in October and wrap up by year’s end, some temporary changes are necessary. For the safety of the public and to allow clear access for the construction teams, the much-loved equipment in the Coastal Park fun zone will be temporarily removed. But fear not, fun-seekers! This short-term disruption is a crucial step towards a safer and even better Coastal Park experience. Once the cliff is secure, the exciting refurbishment of the play area can finally get underway!
Keep your eyes peeled for updates as this essential project progresses, promising a secure future for one of Folkestone’s treasured coastal gems!
Cllr Connor McConville, Cabinet Member for Assets and Local Government Reorganisation, said:
“If we want to deliver a new first class play area in time for next summer, it is essential we move at pace with the cliff stabilisation work.”
Meanwhile, the landslide above the Cow Path – which happened in November 2023 – presents different challenges and will need a bespoke approach. The intention is to begin remediation at this location early next year.
Work on the landslip above the Road of Remembrance is being led by Kent County Council. The latest information can be found on its website.