Monitoring stepped up at erosion hotspots

Scarborough Council has embarked upon a coastal monitoring programme, which includes monitoring, data collection and analysis along the shores from Staithes to Flamborough Head.

Now town hall bosses are looking to appoint an experienced ground investigation contractor to undertake a series of borehole replacements at Scalby Ness, The Holmes and Scarborough South Cliff.

The boreholes are being drilled to replace current monitoring equipment, which is used to determine any changes in ground conditions and stability and has come to the end of its useful life or been damaged.

The Environment Agency is footing the 129,000 bill, which includes 105,000 for the ground investigation, 9,000 for Scarborough Council's project management costs and a 15,000 contingency fund.

Three companies submitted quotes to undertake the borehole installation programme and WYG Environment has been selected as the preferred contractor.

Tomorrow, Coun Andrew Backhouse, the portfolio holder, will be recommended to give the go- ahead to sign a contract for the drilling of the boreholes and installing the equipment.

Regarding the works themselves, John Riby, head of technical services, underlined that there would be full consultations with all the stakeholders – and there would be a public announcement before any excavations started.

He said: "Engagement with Natural England, North Yorkshire County Council, The Scarborough Sea Life Centre, The Friends of South Cliff Gardens and relevant Ward members and residents will be undertaken."