PRINCES PARADE HOARDINGS SET TO BE REMOVED

PRINCES PARADE HOARDINGS SET TO BE REMOVED

The removal of hoardings from the now-cancelled seafront development at Princes Parade has moved a step closer.

A tender notice inviting contractors to take down the existing panels and install a permanent perimeter fence was published in late November.

Once an appointment has been made in the new year, it is hoped the work will be completed in the spring.

Leader Cllr Jim Martin said: “One of my first commitments after being elected was to have those hoardings removed so I’m glad we’re now getting to a position where we can make that happen.

“We’ve spent the last few months finding out more about the site. We’re putting up a perimeter fence to prevent residents from coming into contact with the contamination found in the soil at relatively shallow depths.

“The new fencing will ensure our residents remain safe, which is always the main priority of this council. It will also restore the unrivalled vistas and protect the biodiversity and ecology of the location.”

Consent will be required by Historic England for work within the Schedule Monument boundary and ecologists have been consulted regarding measures required for animals – including the badgers, reptiles and amphibians living on the site.

A decision on the most appropriate choice of fencing will be made in due course. Discussions with the community about restoring the biodiversity and future of the much-loved community asset are set to be held in 2024.