By John Connell

Last updated at 12:01, Friday, 27 July 2012

Work to prevent landslips at a popular Workington park has started – six years after a landslide there.

Part of Curwen Park has been sealed off as Allerdale council works to stabilise a steep bank running along its southeast boundary next to houses on Stainburn Road.

The work will include a 32 ft long retaining wall at the head of the slope which would be more than 8ft tall at its highest point.

A path at the foot of the bank has been closed since November 2006 after it was buried by the original landslide.

Chris Rolle, Allerdale council’s property manager, said it was working to prevent any further landslides.

“This involves the installation of physical restraints, drainage and planting to assist with stabilising the soil on the slope,” explained Mr Rolle.

“The works are estimated to be completed within the next six weeks, weather-allowing.”

Two gardens on top of the bank had been left exposed to a collapse after heavy rain triggered the slide.

Tonnes of soil, clay and brushwood slid down the tree-lined escarpment overlooking Curwen Park and buried part of the mile-long footpath that links Hall Park Lodge with Yearl Weir.

Allerdale council was unable to confirm how much the work would cost and why it appeared to have taken several years to address the issue.

According to the planning report, because higher part of the bank adjoins residential land there is “a demonstrated need” for the works at this location.

But the report concludes that wall could be seen as “an unnatural and visually detrimental feature within the park”.

The area behind the polythene board wall will be backfilled, while the lower slope will also be re-graded to prevent future slippage.

A drain will be installed below the wall and debris from the original landslide removed.

The design will include work to address loss of tree cover, tipping of rubble and the steepness of the bank.

The park will remain open for the duration of the works although the site will be fenced to prevent access to the actual works.

First published at 11:25, Friday, 27 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk