There's a number of structural issues affecting the harbours in Scarborough and Whitby.
This despite previous investment of "millions and millions of pounds" in repairs to the piers in both harbours, the infrastructure continues to be “under attack from the marine environment every single day”.
North Yorkshire Council's Head of Harbour Chris Bourne has stressed the need for ongoing maintenance to ensure the harbours remain operational and safe:
A key problem identified is accelerated low water corrosion, which weakens the steel piles supporting the harbour walls. This corrosion leads to thinning and holes in the piles, resulting in loss of fill material and the formation of sinkholes. These issues impact the structural integrity of the wharfs, limiting their load-bearing capacity and overall usability.
To address these pressing concerns, the council is developing a series of repair projects scheduled for the coming year. Bourne outlined several projects already in the planning stages:
Eskside Wharf in Whitby: This project involves replacing the piles along the section leased by a local boat building business. The replacement of the full length of piles will improve the wharf's stability and enable the tenant to expand their operations.
Whitby's West Pier: The inner pile wall of the West Pier requires strengthening. Contractors are currently assessing a scheme to overplate the existing piles, which offers a cost-effective solution as the piles haven't reached the end of their service life.
Fish Quay in Whitby: While a recent structural inspection of the piles underneath the Fish Quay found no major concerns, improvements are needed to the timbering and fendering. The Council is developing a scheme to address these issues.
Round Head and Lighthouse Pier in Whitby: Both areas require pile replacement. The council is initiating the design phase for a scheme to address these critical areas.
Chris emphasised the urgency of these projects, highlighting the need to ensure the continued safety and functionality of the harbours:
The planned improvements aim to address the most critical structural issues and maintain the viability of these important economic and historical assets for both Scarborough and Whitby.
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