Two steps forward...

...one step back. Despite the £8 million being spent on improvements to the seafront at Boscombe, Dorset, there are those whose purpose in life, it seems, is to keep things as they are. The image, shot just after sunrise today, shows one of the beach promenade shelters that has been burnt out by some mindless idiot(s) during the past week. Although actions like this are not common in the area, it does highlight the struggle that locals will face once the re-devlopment is complete.


© 2007

Boscombe Spa Village development...

Although work has been continuous on the Honeycombe chine site since October, not much has been visible to the casual observer as foundations and drains are laid. Only now is it possible to see progress, although there is still little sign of the houses and apartments as the project takes shape.

© 2007

Lifeguard station...

Things are beginning to happen at a rapid pace on the beach front at Boscombe, Dorset. The lifeguard station in the photograph was not there this time last week. The work on the artificial reef is due to begin in March, creating waves up to 4 metres high. The effect of the reef on the environment is calculated to be neutral, and marine life is expected to benefit. The improved surfing conditions should bring a further 10,000 visitors a year to the area.

© 2007

Pier renovation begins...

Scafolding is being erected against the entrance of the grade 2 listed building that is the entrance to Boscombe pier, Dorset. The beach replenishment in the area is now complete and the pipe that delivered the sand from the off-shore dredger is being dismantled. Work on the pier head, which is to be demolished and removed by barge as part of the renovation, will begin in March.

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Contre Jour...

Today is the last day of the pumping ashore of sand on to Boscombe beach, after which the crews will concentrate on the areas adjacent to Bournemouth pier. The image, shot at Portman ravine, Dorset, illustrates the harsh treatment that the plant is subjected to during the replenishment schedule as bulldozers operate in what is effectively the sea.

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Beach replenishment...

Despite unpredictable weather during the past few weeks, the beach replenishment operation along the Dorset coast at Bournemouth is only a few days behind schedule. The image, shot on the last day of 2006, shows the new material being pumped ashore at Boscombe pier. The bulldozers, which are constantly driven in salt water, are not able to be protected from the corrosive environment in any way. The grinding action of the sand on the sprockets for the tracks, and the strain on the gear-boxes give the lifespan for one of these machines of around 3 years, after which they are cleaned up, re-painted and sold on. They cost around £250,000 each when new!
The refurbishment of Boscombe pier entrance, a grade 2 listed building, is due to commence mid January.

© 2007

My return to cyberspace...

Just a message to any readers. I've finally managed to solve my internet problems with my (former) ISP (not to mention any names, but it rhymes with Blorenge). These people would just not admit that their service would not support the use of Mac computers, despite their assurance that "it will work...". It took several hours of phone calls: being pushed around numerous departments, kept on hold for excessive periods and basically lied to before I get to speak to someone knowledgeable, who then admits that my new computer is "too advanced" (his words) for them to support.
This run-around and final severance of my subscription has prevented me from making any posts recently, but this is to be rectified in the near future. In the meantime, Happy New Year to any listeners.

© 2007