Prom Damage

This needs attention as soon as possible. Not only have large slabs been ripped up but a lot of the cement holding them in place has been badly damaged too, in the divide between the outer granite and inner paving slabs - which can be seen as you walk up the Prom.

It is what is inside that matters. But yes, again, we have not really had a powerful wind. A strong wind and a strong sea. Give a more powerful storm, like one I remember (was it in 2000?) and those slabs will be in the Queens and in the Pavilion, the promenade wall will be breached, the clay swept away and the whole of the road weakened, and if it is a prolonged storm, the sand raised beach will be eroded, Alexandra Road and Morrab Road at risk; the area in front of Regent Terrace is wet underground all the time. It was last time I made some surveys down there, like a flowing pool it was, resulting in transmigration of the clay. We did what we could, but that was on two properties only (as appointed). This wall is at risk, unlike the pier. I still say a breakwater will reduce the lateral shock pressure. Pretty soon there will be no sand left in which to bury any heads, let alone the clay.

19th January has turned into another filthy day, heavy tide, but thankfully only a stiff wind on shore. Not a lot in terms of a violent 'attack' but nevertheless a considerable overtopping of the South Pier. My grandfather would have said the Bay was a 'bit choppy'.

Many more stormy days to come before summer... Hope we all survive!

True, I know. However, I have spent my entire professional life being asked for the 'worst case scenario', in order that plans could me made. They knew that I had studied Statistical Analysis and expected me to provide a sensible scheme based on history, not one based on expected turn over ('once in a hundred year storm' etc). I also was trained in the 'What If' tank, when I began. For me it is never about how long it will be before it happens; if it can, it WILL.

All a bit of a worry - especially with us living close to the Prom. Neighbours can remember the bottom of Morrab Road being flooded - it turned out the drainage pipes had been blocked by stones (and not just stones - large rocks as well) thrown up by the sea which the Council had never bothered to clear. One neighbour's insurance company paid up for the flood damage to her property, but were most interested to find out that it had been caused by the Council's neglect, and so took the matter up with them. Last year, part of the lower landings had collapsed and after any rough sea, another large granite block would be pulled off and deposited on the beach. Personally, I think it's about time they invested some serious money in the whole structure, rather than any other 'ongoing projects' ......

Exactly, I have photographs of all these blocked outlets. I had the honour to work on Dunkirk Mills (Nailsworth) a massive building, I always had the impression the whole of Penzance could be squeezed in there.
http://www.aviq36.dsl.pipex.com/images/PICT1534.JPG
It was truly special, and we worked hard to preserve industrial features, including a working water mill and water courses, it was a nightmare to sort out the water management scheme, as the valley would otherwise have been subject to flooding, as it all comprised a large piece of the GSIA heritage. Either it worked and was supported financially by the accommodation being worked into it and supported by properly considered structures and a sympathetic fire protection or it would be lost. Luckily the project was successful despite the collapse of the development company. I managed to save the photographs of the ongoing project from a bonfire and they are now back with the GSIA. Things matter to me deeply. I took my work seriously. I take Penzance seriously. This Promenade and its Berms are UNIQUE.
Not only that but it is at the forefront of the protection of this 'at risk' front, over the old dunes. Before this, the front would be recycled by the sea. It can no longer do this. The sea is still working at it and the Promenade structure is losing the battle. One loose bolt on an aeroplane and the whole craft can be lost. The people of this front should clamour for protection and work on this promenade.

March 1891 - PENZANCE. Blizzard : During Monday night's storm, at Penzance, there was such a terrific sea running that the north dock gate was unhung, and much damage was occasioned to the shipping in the port. Some of the most beautiful trees in the vicinity were ruined. On the following Tuesday the storm continued, and business almost entirely ceased, no shops being opened for the day. There was a good deal of anxious looking out for the return of travellers who had left the town before the commencement of the storm on Monday, but by degrees they either returned or their whereabouts was ascertained. At Wheal Vor, Breage, however, a woman, sixty years of age, perished in the snow. Supplies of food were almost daily fetched by boat from Penzance for little fishing villages in the district, and a small coasting steamer was chartered to take in a stock of provisions and land it on the sands at Porthcurno, just within sight of Logan Rock.
Trains were blocked either side of Truro, but no one knew where, except those on the trains. There were 20 foot drifts at Gwinear. 1817, 1868, 1881, 1891 ....

In March! Unbelievable.

Went along the Prom this morning and workmen are uplifting/replacing slabs on the pavement by the roundabout, bottom of Alexandra Road and yet these above are still untouched. Personally, I would have thought the damage on the Prom itself needed sorting out first ...