Coastal management repairs and maintenance

The Coastal Management Service carries out a comprehensive programme of inspections which highlight when repair and maintenance works need to be carried out. This ensures that the defences are functioning correctly, extends the life of the assets and protects the public from potential hazards. We maintain structures such as groynes, revetments, promenades, seawalls, beaches and rock armour. We set out the work required and then appoint and manage the contractors.

Some examples of repairs and maintenance works include:

• repairing trip or slip hazards on promenades,
• replacing planks on timber groynes and removing splinters,
• ensuring the sealant in the concrete seawall joints is intact,
• maintaining warning signage,
• ensuring access steps and ramps are safe for public use,
• repairing holes and removing sharp points from steel sheet piles,
• replacing bolts and fixings on timber structures and navigation markers.

Regular repair and maintenance works are carried out to promote safe public access as extensively as is practicably possible. If public safety issues are known to exist, and East Suffolk Council is the recognised management authority but is unable to eliminate or remove them, signage or public exclusion measures may have been established. These are monitored regularly and we would ask that the public make themselves aware of any information provided and respect any measures to restrict or limit access.

As well as repairs and maintenance, the team carry out regular and important inspections so they understand what condition the structures are in and this informs future coastal management plans. We also monitor beach levels, health and safety for the public and the conditions of the cliffs.

If you would like to report a disrepair or maintenance issue, please contact our Coastal Management Team.