Rock Walk repairs delayed
WORK on 'shoring up' Torquay's Rock Walk is to be delayed.
Torbay Council has decided it should ask itself for planning permission before the repair scheme is started.
The cliff stabilisation and protection works should have started at the end of October but have been put back by at least four weeks.
Four companies have been short-listed to do the work.
Cllr Chris Lewis (pictured) has once again reiterated that the work is necessary for the safety of residents and visitors.
A council spokesman said the council had decided it should submit a planning application to itself.
"Initially it was thought we didn't need planning permission, but then when it was investigated it was found another seaside resort had done similar work without planning permission which had caused problems when something went wrong during the process," the spokesman said.
"It was decided that permission would be sought as a precaution. Originally we planned to start the work at the end of October, this has been delayed because of the planning permission until the end of November."
Half of Torquay's seafront road has been closed since the cliff face was cleared in the spring.
It is expected to cost up to £1.5million — more than twice the price originally estimated by Torbay Council — to stabilise the cliff face.
A geological survey revealed parts of the former garden are more dangerous than first thought and will need extensive works.
Cabinet member Chris Lewis said: "There is a huge amount of planning that goes into a project like this before work can begin and the council is making great progress.
"A Rock Walk steering group has been set up with relevant members and officers to help keep the project on track.
"A planning application has also been submitted for the stabilisation work, which we endeavour to start during the first week of November and is expected to take 28 weeks.
"Earlier in the year the council received nine expressions of interest from companies keen to be involved in the essential rock and soil stabilisation works and following reference and financial checks we have now short-listed four very experienced companies," said Mr Lewis.
"The council has now invited the companies to tender for the contract with a closing date of noon on Tuesday, October 7.
"I would once again like to reiterate that this work is being carried out for the safety of our visitors and residents and to protect the long-term future of Rock Walk.
"Officers and members involved in the project are committed to ensuring that the work is carried out as quickly as possible and will be providing regular updates of the progress.
"In the meantime attractive boards have been placed around the harbourside providing residents and visitors with information on the project and these will also be updated as it progresses."
An ecological survey of the gardens has been started by external consultants and should be complete by the end of this week.
Cllr Lewis added: "We are working on a funding bid for £350,000 that has to be in for next week for the restoration planting and other work, and a capital bid is in for council funding for the stabilisation work."
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by Diane, Torquay
Wednesday, September 10 2008, 8:55PM
“Is it safe to drive past then, or ride on a bus?”
by batman, totquay
Tuesday, September 09 2008, 1:25PM
“i agree with citizen smith what will do council be planning next”
by torbay, torbay
Tuesday, September 09 2008, 2:04AM
“Check out our articles on rock walk with bob the builder only at Torbaytabloid.com !”
by Margaret Forbes-Hamilton, Tormohun
Monday, September 08 2008, 10:18PM
“Let's get some factsstraight. Expressions of interest to do the work on Rock Walk had to be in by 30th May. On the 8th of September, Lewis states that they have got down to four companies. What has taken so long? Private companies would go bankrupt if they took 3 months to check references.
Lewis is also showing himself up, once again, by stating at the beginning of the press release that the work was delayed until the end of November, and yet further down he states that they will endeavour to start work in the first week of November! This is the man who stated that letters had gone out to all businesses saying that half the road would be closed off, only to eat his words when the letters were found to have only been sent to those occupying council owned buildings!!!!
The planning application went in on 1st September, and the council hope it will be passed at the Development meeting on the 22nd September. Why have they not got the contractors ready and waiting to get onto the site on the 1st of October as promised - gross incompetence.
Is there no one prepared to take charge and treat this matter with proper urgency and dedication? The reputation of Torquay and the jobs of those who have businesses around this area are at stake.”
by carole, torquay
Monday, September 08 2008, 9:10PM
“There is always one isn't there, and he doesn't even live here. Stay out of it Ivor Manning, or if you prefer not to, then talk some sense that we can all understand. What exactly are you talking about???”
by Ivor manning, Wallasey
Monday, September 08 2008, 8:31PM
“I knew there was something missing here when I arrived in Merseyside. THEN it dawned on me No RUDDT SEAGULLS!
Three or four hundred yards down the road and there they are. ON THE SEA.
Explanation. THE pragmatic Northern councillors employ an efficient Frenchwaste disposal contractor . NO PLASTIC BAGS.
The flower beds are well cut and the cemetaries are well maintained although I doubt if the residents would complain anymore than those in Torbay”
by carole, torquay
Monday, September 08 2008, 7:58PM
“I agree with Emma, the whole of Torquay front by the Marina along towards the Theatre is a total mess. If us locals think this way what are the unfortunate holiday makers going to think? I for one would not venture back again. How long is the railing going to be up by the Marina, it must be it's third season this year. I have not ventured down for a while but on my last walk I noticed that the newly laid paving slabs by the banjo gardens and The PrincessTheatre are laid badly; not one is level with another. Is this how it is? Come on TBC get off your 'seats' and get things done. Rock Walk is a disgrace and it needs to be put right now rather than later. It is an eyesore; Torquay is getting to be an eyesore, like a lot of other English holiday towns. Get something done before it is a ghost town.”
by Hubert Ivor Mannuing, Wallasey
Monday, September 08 2008, 6:45PM
“Take a tip from the football clubs and flog the Bay to a rich Arab.
I do believe all the Captain Mannerings retired to Torbay.
We had a TV series on a Torbay hotel now please can we have a TV comedy on the council?”
by citizen smith, torbay
Monday, September 08 2008, 5:51PM
“Between a Rock and a Hard Place-The Rolling Stones says it all.”
by safer in teignbridge, Newton Abbot
Monday, September 08 2008, 3:53PM
“Before I painted my house,I made sure I had paint, paint brush, rags,ladder etc. etc. In fact not being a professional decorator I think I did rather well using just COMMON SENSE to get ready for the task ahead. Considering i am not paid to complete this task or have 40 hours per week to dedicate to it, and have a pension pot to boot. The task is now almost complete, but unlike the council of Torbay, I will not have dithered or patted my own back for doing something correctly or on time, and I am sure once again I will not make the national papers with another superb faux pas.
The road closure was planned for a minimum of eighteen months before last Christmas, despite this bit of advanced planning they have only now realised that the council will have to give themselves permission to do a job for the people that are forever paying for a half decent job to be done on ANYTHING. You have got the power now just use for the people properly, without turning it into another panto season in Torbay!!! duh”