Green Party Councillors have met with FHDC’s surveyor over ongoing concerns about the spate of recent landslides stretching from Folkestone to Sandgate and Hythe.
Council Leader Cllr Jim Martin and Cllr Jeremy Speakman, Cabinet Member for Assets and Operations, joined the council’s surveyor as he inspected the damage along the coastline which has led to the closure of the Road of Remembrance in Folkestone and parts of the Lower Leas Coastal Park. They saw at first hand the work being carried out to investigate the coastline and to try and ensure the risk to the public is minimal.
Drones are being used to examine sections of the steep coastline and identify the most vulnerable spots. However, Councillor Speakman said the survey is not yet complete.
“The devastation is pretty extensive as there have been at least half a dozen land slips over recent weeks. It is clearly linked to the prolonged and excessive rainfall we experienced during February and early March.
“The council is awaiting the analysis of the LIDAR structural survey – which essentially provides a detailed indication of the structural integrity of the cliffs, likely risk areas and whether it is safe to proceed with remedial works.”
Crumbling sandstone coupled with unstable trees growing on the cliff face, their roots loosened by record rainfall, has led to landslides in the vicinity of Folkestone. Other landslides have been recorded all along the south coast, including Hastings where residents were evacuated from their homes after a major landslide.
It is quite shocking how unstable parts of the cliff faces have become.
Jeremy Speakman, Cabinet Member for Assets & Operations
