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Folkestone businesses to stay open despite Road of Remembrance landslide

18:59, 01 March 2024

updated: 19:01, 01 March 2024

A fish and chip shop boss says it is business as usual despite tonnes of landslide debris crashing down around him.

Murat Karakatal, who runs Folkestone’s Harbour Fish Bar, is standing firm as Folkestone’s Road of Remembrance suffered two potentially dangerous landslips in less than a month.

Harbour Fish Bar manager Murat Karakartal says his business will remain open despite the landslides behind the restaurant
Harbour Fish Bar manager Murat Karakartal says his business will remain open despite the landslides behind the restaurant
A parade of shops on Lower Sandgate Road where the Harbour Fish Bar remains open after only experiencing minimal damage in the recent landslides
A parade of shops on Lower Sandgate Road where the Harbour Fish Bar remains open after only experiencing minimal damage in the recent landslides

The latest slippage occurred when trees and debris plummeted from beneath a clifftop house earlier this week while the road was still closed after a similar incident on January 27.

While council workers brace strong winds to make the area safe, Mr Karakatal says it is business as usual for him.

“The council stopped by one evening but we haven't heard anything since. No one has told us to close so we will stay open,” he told KentOnline.

Despite debris previously crashing into the building’s rear and smashing up an extraction fan, Mr Karakatal is standing firm in the face of adversity.

Mr Karakatal says the only negative effect on his business is the Road of Remembrance, a busy thoroughfare between the town and harbour, being shut.

The closure follows fears for public safety with the adventure playground directly below the coastal path
The closure follows fears for public safety with the adventure playground directly below the coastal path
Cracks are showing on Madeira Walk, near the latest spot to be closed following concerns for public safety
Cracks are showing on Madeira Walk, near the latest spot to be closed following concerns for public safety

It comes as another section of the coastal beauty spot has been closed off after fears it could suffer a similar fate.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) shut part of Madeira Walk after concerns over public safety when cracks appeared in the pavement.

One section of the coastal path was already sealed off after it suffered a landslide that damaged the route's railings, also impacting Cow Path directly below.

Folkestone resident Mike Sarjeant wants more to be done to stabilise the lower part of the historic promenade.

He told KentOnline: “I think for safety the closure is fine but how quickly will it be restored?

Mike Sarjeant regularly walks on The Leas in Folkestone and wants the paths to be made sturdier for fellow walkers
Mike Sarjeant regularly walks on The Leas in Folkestone and wants the paths to be made sturdier for fellow walkers
Folkestone resident Lisa Hallett thinks now would be a good time to repair the lower paths at The Leas
Folkestone resident Lisa Hallett thinks now would be a good time to repair the lower paths at The Leas

“I'm not sure if they are maintained, some of the paths aren't great and it should be a bit more robust,” the 61-year-old added.

Lisa Hallett, who has lived in Folkestone for 15 years, said now would be a good time to commit to further maintenance on them.

She said: “ I do walk on my own and I do trip a lot. I find that the lower paths are also not as well lit as the top of The Leas.

“If it was more lit I think people would use it more in the evenings for their dog walks and if they are proactive about getting the work done in a decent timeframe it would be good for everyone.”

Tracy Nichols has been a regular walker since moving to Folkestone nearly 30 years ago and wants everyone to have the chance to enjoy the lower paths.

Tracy Nichols wants the lower paths to be better maintained so others can enjoy the historic pathways
Tracy Nichols wants the lower paths to be better maintained so others can enjoy the historic pathways
The previous closure on Madeira Walk remains in place, following a landslide that damaged part of the railings
The previous closure on Madeira Walk remains in place, following a landslide that damaged part of the railings

The 59-year-old said: “We need to protect the Lower Leas it’s a fabulous tourist attraction and for residents, it’s an exceptional place to go. This is our heritage, these are Victorian paths that need to be restored in some way.

“I’ve not long been retired and it’s only recently that I had the opportunity to explore the lower parts. It needs to be there for future generations as it lets you walk back in time.”

FDHC hopes the path can be reopened shortly for pedestrians.

A spokesperson said: “Council officers were made aware of cracks in the footpath in the vicinity of the Vinery on Madeira Walk.

“As a precaution, the footpath has been closed off to allow officers to investigate the cause and keep the public safe.

“Contractors have visited the site and will be carrying out works to stabilise the footpath edge over the next few days.”

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