A MAJOR project to stabilise a section of Leigh's cliffs to stop them from collapsing has been completed.
Phase two of the £1.4m project has seen a variety of works across Belton Way East, Belton Way West, and Belton Gardens, after a collapsed wall sparked fears of a cliff slip.
The work included the installation of 350 metres of gabion baskets - large stone-filled cages, pavement and road resurfacing, and the installation of piles for stabilisation.
Work to replace the retaining wall at the top of Belton Way East has also finished, with that section now reopened to the public, along with refurbished steps and railings. Flower beds in this area will be replanted soon.
The work comes as pavements in part of Cliff Parade, Leigh, remain closed due to burrowing badgers causing instability.
Lydia Hyde, councillor responsible for climate, environment and waste, said: “Southend is blessed with wonderful cliffs across the seafront and into Leigh.
"However, managing cliff slip is essential to keep the area safe and it is always taken seriously.
“Without this work that has taken place in recent years and more recently, any further movement could potentially have had an impact on surrounding homes, roads and Network Rail assets too.
“This project has had cross-party support since it began and it great to see that is been finished and delivered to such a high standard by our contractor Marlborough.”
The work follows the council securing £3.2 million in Government funding to carry out ground investigation and stabilisation works in the area, with some initial work on Belton Way East completed in 2020.
In February 2023, Southend Council also closed pavements in Cliff Parade, between Leigh Hill and Avenue Road, and a small section between the junction of Cliff Parade, Sea Reach, and Cliff Parade, after checks on the roads and pavements found “ongoing deterioration”.
The instability of Cliff Parade is being made worse by burrowing badgers which cannot be disturbed by law.
Therefore, the repair work has been delayed and the road closure has been extended until August 2025.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel