Work to prevent landslides to start in autumn

High levels of rainfall have increased the risk of landslides in the Leas

Work to prevent landslides from the cliffs above the Leas in Folkestone, Kent, will begin in the autumn.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council said it will carry reduce the height of some of the trees at the site, along with installing mesh, netting and a new wall.

It follows a landslide at the Vinery in February 2024, after a period of heavy rainfall.

The authority has yet to appoint a contractor, but hopes the work will start in October and finished by the end of 2025.

The work will be carried out ahead of a refurbishment of the Lower Leas Coastal Park play area.

On 21 May councillors agreed to spend £750,000 on new equipment for the play area.

The authority is spending £750,000 refurbishing the Coastal Park's play area

Connor McConville, cabinet member for assets, said: "If we want to deliver a new first class play area in time for next summer, it is essential we move at pace with the cliff stabilisation work."

The equipment in the fun park will be removed while the work is being carried out.