Efforts to save the last remaining diving platform at La Vallette are continuing, with more of the bedrock being dug out from the bottom of the Ladies’ pool today.
The Ladies’ and the Childrens’ pools are closed so that can happen. The closure has been described as an ‘essential inconvenience’ for regular users and other people wanting to use the pools during half term week.
Today’s dig is being done by the same contractors who started work on the Ladies’ pool last month.
The work will increase the depth of the pool within the immediate area of the diving platform as much as possible.
Laurie Watson of F Watson & Co is co-ordinating the work being carried out by his colleagues, supported by staff from R G Froome & Sons.
Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service, Environment and Infrastructure, and Vive La Vallette are also involved.
Work to save the diving platform is being led by the ‘Sea Donkey’ Adrian Sarchet.
When he and other regular sea swimmers found out about plans to remove the board earlier this year, they protested and found support from thousands of other people.
Work to bring the diving platform and the pool up to those standards is expected to reach around £60,000 – with a lot of the true cost being covered by businesses offering their skill set for free.
“This is another massive stride in the right direction and is a credit to the spirit of co-operation and teamwork which is at the heart of this project,” said Mr Sarchet.
The working party chaired by Mr Sarchet is said to be working “constructively” with all stakeholders to ensure the long term future of the diving platform.
“We are delighted to be working with Ady, E&I and local contractors towards the common goal of preserving the diving platform,” said David Warr, Chair of Vive La Vallette.
“We are grateful to all involved who are supporting these efforts and remain hopeful of achieving a positive outcome. We apologise to regular pool users and visitors for any inconvenience caused by Thursday’s closure.”