Breakwater Repair Work Agreed by Council

A breakwater damaged by Storm Goretti is to be repaired.

Folkestone & Hythe’s coastline was battered by strong winds in January, causing the concrete sections at the popular Mermaid Beach in Folkestone to be dramatically displaced.

Councillors agreed to spend £200,000 to mend it, with work expected to be completed ahead of any possible future winter storms.

Connor McConville, Cabinet Member for Assets and Local Government Reorganisation, said:

"I could not believe the damage was caused by one single storm and, unfortunately, it was not covered by our insurance due to the nature of the weather event.

“The rock structure which protects the coast is perfectly intact, but I know we’ll all be pleased when we can use the concrete walkway again.”

The repair works will be funded through underspends in last year’s budget.

Despite the heavy winds and big waves caused by Storm Goretti, there were no reports of flooding or damage to residential properties thanks to the council’s bi-annual recycling and regrading of shingle carried out since 2004.