Published on Monday 30 October 2023
Essential maintenance work on Bournemouth’s West Cliff Zig-Zag will commence next month.
The works, commissioned by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and being undertaken by Dorset-based contractor idverde, will be completed between 6-13 November and during this time the Zig-Zag will be closed.
Essential maintenance and repairs to West Cliff’s retaining walls will help to ensure its ongoing stability. The removal of four trees at the base of the cliff is also required to improve its drainage network.
Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy at BCP Council, said:
"Our teams have identified these issues and are working to make sure the cliff and Zig-Zag remain safe for our residents and visitors.
"Trees are immensely important to our natural environment, as well as to the look and feel of our towns and seafront, but these particular trees are now causing damage to the cliff and could compromise its integrity.
"I would like to reassure residents that the council is planning to undertake the replanting of new trees in a suitable location once works are completed, helping to offset any losses."
Although the Zig-Zag will be closed during this period, the promenade is expected to remain open during maintenance.
Key updates will be shared via BCP Council’s social media channels, and we ask people to closely follow any safety signage on display whilst the project is underway.
Editor’s Notes:
Councillor Andy Hadley is Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy at BCP Council, which includes the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Team (FCERM).
Visit idverde’s website: www.idverde.co.uk
The species of the four trees include: one Sycamore, one Pine and two Cypress.
Visitors can gain level access to the beach from West Cliff via Durley Chine to the west and Bournemouth Pier approach the east. Suitable diversion signage will be displayed.