Work begins on Ilfracombe's Old Quay Head

MORE work is being carried out to strengthen Ilfracombe s historic but fragile Old Quay Head. Steel tie bars are being inserted through the Grade II* listed structure, at a cost of �60,000, after the inner wall facing the harbour began to bulge out. North

MORE work is being carried out to strengthen Ilfracombe's historic but fragile Old Quay Head.

Steel tie bars are being inserted through the Grade II* listed structure, at a cost of �60,000, after the inner wall facing the harbour began to bulge out.

North Devon Council has contracted civil engineering company Axis Stabilisation to do the work, which it says will prevent any further movement of the wall.

It is the third instalment of work in five years on the 18th century quay. In 2004 temporary repairs were made to the inner wall, sections of which had collapsed. Further repairs were also made in 2007 and large steel gabions installed for several months to prop the quay up before work was carried out.

The council said it hoped after the current work no more repairs would be needed for some time.

Councillor Paul Yabsley, Ilfracombe Harbour Board chairman said he was pleased to see swift action to prevent further damage.

"These repairs continue to show we have a very old and fragile structure that with its listed status shows it needs greater protection," he added.

Work began last week and is likely to take another seven weeks to complete. The quay will remain open to harbour users throughout the work, which will be undertaken in two stages to allow boats to remain moored there.

"Old Quay Head is a busy working quay, which not only provides shelter to boats but reduces the risk of flooding to properties around the harbour," said Councillor Richard Edgell, lead members for assets.

"Its importance therefore, both as a mooring facility and as an historic structure, is something we, along with English Heritage, are keen to protect and preserve.