Contractor appointed to maintain seafront safety

Wednesday, 26 February 2025 16:21

By Shelagh Parkinson

New contracts have been handed out to maintain public safety on Blackpool’s famous Promenade which attracts millions of visitors a year.

The investment ensures regular treatment to keep the iconic seafront free from algae will continue, after Blackpool Council reappointed its contractor for the work.

The Spanish Steps, which lead from the headlands on the Promenade to the beaches, attract algae which can become slippery if not removed.

Water Savings Techniques Limited, based in Renfrewshire, has been reappointed to carry out the work for a further two years when the current contract comes to an end in March.

The same company has also been appointed to carry out inspections of the sea wall, parade areas, beach access points, cliff paths and other seafront assets.

It follows a tendering process at the end of 2024 for the £160,000 contract to maintain the safety of Blackpool’s seven miles of seafront and fulfil the council’s duty of care. The process will also help defend any injury claims against the council.

A report setting out the decision says: “A contractor is required to undertake visual safety inspections of the sea wall, parade area, beach access points, cliff paths and all assets within the defined area.

“The contractor is required to identify, issue job tickets and then monitor completion of the work in accordance with the guidelines.

“The contractor will also provide detailed reports to the engineer for coastal defence to defend against injury claims, which will most likely require appearing in court as an expert witness.”

Over the last 20 years Blackpool has seen millions of pounds invested in upgrading the resort’s sea walls thanks to funding from the Environment Agency. This includes the completion of a £62m scheme to transform the Promenade between the Sandcastle Water Park and North Pier.

Construction is due to begin in 2025 on further new sea defences which include £61m for the Little Bispham to Bispham Coast Protection Scheme, and the Gynn Square to Cocker Square Coast Protection Scheme.

The town was also awarded £57m by the Environment Agency in July last year for the Blackpool Central Area Beach Nourishment Scheme, plus a further £11m to tackle the threat of beach erosion in Anchorsholme.

Have you got a local news story? Email us now, news@central.radio

More from Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde News

St Annes paddling pool set to make a splash again after repairs funding agreed

Essential repairs will be carried out on the paddling pool at St Annes after funding was agreed by Fylde Council.
Hunt is on for temporary ‘pop-up’ home for heritage trams

Blackpool Transport is on the lookout for a suitable location from which to temporarily display the town’s iconic and much-loved heritage fleet.
Major uproar at plans for 100-home development in Fylde countryside village

A lush meadow which has been part of people’s childhood memories in the Kirkham and Wesham area for generations desperately needs saving from a massive housing scheme, say campaigners.
Blackpool Council update on Adult Services progress after last year’s ‘inadequate’ CQC rating

A damning CQC report on Blackpool’s Adult Social care last year has ended up being a positive wake-up call which has improved services, an annual report concludes.
Community stewardship set to continue at Lytham Assembly Rooms

Lytham Assembly Rooms, home to Lytham Library, is set to remain in the hands of the community that has cared for it for decades, after Fylde Council’s agreed to transfer the freehold of the historic building to Lytham Town Trust.
Contractors working together to create new community hub in South Shore

Contractors working with Blackpool Council have joined forces to create a new community space in South Shore, aiming to upskill residents and help create a more resilient community.
Windfarm cabling reaction and full route explained

A government decision to approve a controversial cabling scheme to connect a pair of offshore windfarms near Fylde to a power station in South Ribble will leave the local landscape it cuts through changed forever, campaigners against the plans have warned.
Duke brings right Royal touch to Blackpool’s Stanley Park for centenary

Cheering crowds of excited children waved union flags as the Duke of Edinburgh paid a special visit to Blackpool’s Stanley Park to help celebrate its centenary year.