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Part of Southsea seafront closed after sea wall breakdown

Portsmouth photographer Jon Neil took this photo of the collapsed sea wall foundation

Portsmouth photographer Jon Neil took this photo of the collapsed sea wall foundation

A small section of Southsea seafront has been closed whilst work is carried out to repair coastal defences following the breakdown of a part of the sea wall directly behind the Pyramids Centre.

Members of the public can still use the rest of the seafront but, for safety reasons, have been asked by Portsmouth City Council to respect the cordoned-off area, using alternate pedestrian routes and avoiding the parts of Southsea beach right next to it.

Portsmouth City Council have announced that they’re working with the Environment Agency and East Solent Coastal Partnership to carry out the necessary repair work as soon as possible.

The seafront coastal defences are nearing the end of their working life and £86million of funding to replace them has already been agreed in principle by the Environment Agency.

This permanent replacement work, which is subject to business case approval, is expected to begin in the spring of 2017. Temporary repairs will be made in the meantime to ensure the area remains safe.

Portsmouth City Council leader Donna Jones said: “Work is underway to repair the sea defences as soon as possible. Fortunately funding for improvements is already in place and we’ll be making sure the work done marries up with these plans.

“Unfortunately we have had to close a small section of the promenade but hopefully it won’t spoil people’s enjoyment of the seafront. We can’t section off the beach as barriers would get washed away but we would advise people not to use the area next to the Pyramids. Our priority has to be keeping people safe.”

Donna also cited seafront seating and cycle paths as parts of the long-term plans in a tweet she published alongside images of Blackpool’s defences:

She tweeted from the scene on the morning of Monday 28th December, with pictures of the ongoing inspection:

NewsTeam Locals