Cliff stabilisation work below The Leas in Folkestone is due to start later this year ahead of the refurbishment of the Lower Leas Coastal Park play area.
After a period which saw some of the highest levels of rainfall on record, a landslide near The Vinery occurred in February 2024.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council immediately undertook protection measures to protect the play area and a series of high-level surveys and technical assessments by various experts were carried out.
A tree management programme to reduce heights and the risk of further slips is ongoing.
A complex remediation strategy has now been devised. It includes high tensile mesh, soil nailing, draped netting and a high king post wall.
Once a contractor has been appointed, it is expected this work will begin in October and be completed by the end of the year. Coastal Park fun zone equipment will need to be removed while this is carried out to ensure public safety and allow access to the cliff.
Cllr Connor McConville, Cabinet Member for Assets and Local Government Reorganisation, said: “If we want to deliver a new first class play area in time for next summer, it is essential we move at pace with the cliff stabilisation work.”
Meanwhile, the landslide above the Cow Path – which happened in November 2023 – presents different challenges and will need a bespoke approach. The intention is to begin remediation at this location early next year.
Work on the landslip above the Road of Remembrance is being led by Kent County Council. The latest information can be found on its website.