Moving sand from the top of the beach at Greve de L'Ecq (FOI)

​​Request

On the 8th of December a digger was working in Greve de L'Ecq moving sand from the top of the beach to further down, then smoothing the sand.

I would like to know why this was being down at a time when there are no beach users except walkers and dogs.

How much did this operation cost, at a time of financial constraint? Why was it done at all, as the sand could have been returned on the next tide?

Response

Due to recent strong winds the sand levels at Grève de Lecq had built up to a point so that it was detrimental to the coastal defences and was starting to encroach on the walkway; both situations having potential public safety implications.

This work is carried out on a number of the Island’s beaches in similar conditions when it is identified that the effectiveness of a sea defence (the sea wall in this case) is being compromised.

The cost of the operation was £400 and is covered by the Department's allocated budget.
While sand levels do change with tidal movements these conditions are influenced by strong winds and there is benefit to the general public in carrying out this work, not just specifically to beach users and dog walkers.