Residents and businesses near Strand Quay are being warned noisy repair work to the harbour wall restarts next month. As we reported in September, the very loud sound of piling being driven into the ground could be heard across town during the first phase of the repairs. Up to eight days of noise is due to start again on Monday November 4.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency (EA) acknowledged the repair work would be extremely loud. "We appreciate phase one was very noisy and understand residents might have concerns about phase two. We have listened to feedback and have sought to address how we can improve both noise-levels and our communications around them."
As Rye News reported earlier in the year, defects and movement in the piling that keeps the harbour walls in place were discovered during the installation of the new floating pontoon, ladders and mooring rings. The new piles are being driven into the ground next to the wall by the A259. The work on Strand Quay was due to be finished this autumn, however no new completion date has been announced
The EA says sound proofing their work is not an option. "Research shows it does little to address the impact of piling noise. We have instead focused on adjusting our schedule
to accommodate half term and moved our start times back to 8:30am to lessen impact on the school bus stop. We also plan to post timings for noise bursts on our site and will send out regular updates through our mailing list."
Anyone with concerns about the work is being asked to contact the project team on 03708 506 506. To join the mailing list for updates email KSLE@environment-agency.gov.uk.
