Thursday 05 March 2020
Pedestrians are advised that the cliff path steps between the Aquarium, Cow's Horn and Clarence Battery have been closed this morning.
An area of cliff near the Aquarium has subsided overnight (4th/5th March) and the adjacent granite walls have fallen away. The steps adjacent to Clarence battery have also been damaged and access has been closed between La Vallette and Clarence Battery.
Engineers from States Property Services have been inspecting the area today. It is likely that the soft cliff will require stabilisation work before the steps and walls can be reinstated.
Walkers are asked to take the cliff path between Clarence Battery, Belvedere and Val de Terres whilst the steps are closed.
Heavy rainfall over the last few months has left soft cliffs and roadside earth banks all around the island vulnerable to subsiding. ACLMS are inspecting cliff paths to assess their condition and will advise through the media if there are any areas which should be avoided on safety grounds.
During this very wet weather some cliff and coastal paths may be deep with water and mud, steps may also be very muddy and walkers should consider their own safety, particularly if they are walking during early mornings and evenings when light levels are low.
Soft cliffs of loose clays and small stones at Fermain, Moulin Huet, Petit Bot and Portelet, can also collapse without warning, particularly after periods of heavy rain. These soft cliffs may also contain large boulders, which are unseen until a fall occurs.
