A series of repairs at Ilfracombe seafront is starting today (Monday 19 May). North Devon Council will be re-pointing brickwork on the bandstand in Runnymeade Gardens and at Jubilee car park. Repairs will also be made to the balustrade around the crazy golf and putting green, which was recently damaged by vandals. New balustrades have been ordered to replace the broken sections. Executive Member for Parks and Open Spaces, Councillor Derrick Spear, says: These repairs at the seafront shouldnt cause any disruption and wont take long to complete. Its disappointing that some of these repairs have to be carried out because of vandalism. However, we hope to have the seafront looking its best before the summer holidays begin. Meanwhile, work to replace the water pipes at Ilfracombe Pier and Cove is continuing. The councils Executive took the urgent decision to upgrade the pipework last month, following an inspection from South West Water (SWW). Progress has been slower than predicted, as a double layer of concrete and large boulders have been discovered beneath the surface. Contractors have brought in specialist picking equipment to remove this sub-layer, but the process is noisy and time consuming. Chairman of the Harbour Board and Ilfracombe ward member, Councillor Geoff Fowler, says: These repairs to the pipework are essential and we want to assure residents and businesses that our contractors are working hard to get the job done as quickly as possible. As with all engineering projects, things come to light that we couldnt have known about, such as this double layer of reinforced concrete, which has slowed work down.
Posted on: Tue, 20 May 2014 08:31:03 +0000