30 November 2009
Work to stabilise a crumbling St Helier rock face could get under way at the end of January if a planning application by Jersey Property Holdings (JPH) is approved.
A rock fall last February behind Walker House at the Snow Hill taxi rank entrance highlighted the need for the work, which will cost approximately £300,000 and is expected to take 16 weeks.
"Luckily no one was injured during the rock fall last year and damage was minimal, but we know about 20-30 cubic metres of rock came down so we need a more permanent solution to make that area as safe as possible," said Deputy John Le Fondré, the Assistant Minister with responsibility for Jersey Property Holdings.
A geotechnical survey found that the steep rock-face at Snow Hill has many natural fractures. It’s thought that the roots of a large tree growing at the top of the rock-face probably forced the fractures apart, contributing to the rock fall. The tree has now been removed.
Four concrete buttresses, rock anchors and debris netting will be put in place to make the area safe but the project involves some drilling, which will generate noise and dust.
"Every effort will be made to keep nuisance to a minimum. The stabilisation work has been specifically planned for the end of January / beginning of February 2010 when people working and living nearby generally have their windows closed," said Deputy Le Fondre.
JPH will also contact nearby businesses and residents in Colomberie, Hill Street and Queen Street, to advise them about the project and provide details of the installation of two test anchors. This will also allow noise, dust and vibration levels to be monitored.
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