Dorset storms: the big clean-up continues along Bournemouth seafront for a third day

Yesterday people were asked to avoid Bournemouth seafront due to the extensive debris and so as not to impede the clean-up mission.

Bournemouth council is continuing the clean-up effort along the prom today and most sections can now be accessed by members of the public.

Day three of the clean up operation along seafront pic.twitter.com/f97cbopmzD

— Bournemouth Council (@bournemouthbc) February 17, 2014

People are asked to avoid a mile-and-a-half section of the promenade from Manor Steps in Boscombe to Gordon’s Corner at Southbourne as much of the seafront is inaccessible due to sand and debris from damaged beach huts.

Boscombe and Bournemouth Piers and the East Cliff lift are open as usual as well as the local businesses operating in the area. The promenade land trains are currently not running but this will be reviewed during the week.

Chris Saunders, Seafront Manager, said: “With the half-term school holidays upon us, visitors and residents will be keen to come down to Bournemouth to enjoy their free time and following some amazing work over the past 48 hours I am delighted to say that Bournemouth town centre, the gardens and seafront are open for business as usual.

“The only area we would ask people to avoid is the 1 ½ mile section between Boscombe and Southbourne as this area is currently inaccessible and for people’s own safety we ask they do not walk in this area. Our seafront team are currently working hard to clear the sand and debris from the damaged beach huts and would urge members of the public to avoid this area while we work quickly to try and clear the debris.”

Around 400 beach huts were damaged in the storm and will need to be repaired or replaced before the summer.

People are being advised to take extra care along cliffs and beaches. Landslides often take place after wet weather as pressure can build once all the rainwater has soaked into the ground.