Age and the encroaching overgrowth from the vacant area behind the eastern wall have weakened the concrete and the top course of brickwork. Barriers and warning signs now prevent shoppers from taking the shortcut northwards from the Market.
Pictured: St Peter Port Senior Constable Dennis Le Moignan raised concerns with the States.
The vacant area behind the wall is heavily overgrown and bushes and weeds have been pushing through the concrete and mortar. Large cracks have also opened diagonally down the granite stonework. A concrete doorway – long blocked off and boarded up – has also had several cracks appear across its upright and lintel.
A spokesperson for Environment & Infrastructure confirmed that the steps have been closed following a report by the St Peter Port Senior Constable of a wall near the top of the steps that is in a dangerous condition.
They are currently awaiting an update from the Senior Constable and/or the landowner’s builder regarding the remedial measures that are required to make the wall safe and allow the steps to be re-opened.