Question
CEF 15 2024 Turtle Pond area H&S concern
Question:
Constituents have raised concerns regarding a safety issue at the Turtle Ponds BBQ area in Georgetown.
Constituents have reported that the substantial drop from the stone edge to the rocks and ocean below as a real worry, noting that a near miss with a young child has prompted a request from the public to erect a fence or safety barrier of some kind as soon as possible.
AIG Response:
Thank you for raising concerns around child safety at the Turtle Ponds and the Port. Crown Counsel, Conservation & Fisheries Directorate and Operations & Facilities Directorate have all been consulted and considered this issue along with relevant legislation and operational needs.
The Turtle Ponds were designated an Area of Historical Interest in the National Protected Areas Order, 2014, using the powers of the National Protected Areas Ordinance, 2003. Any development within a heritage site is subject to Section 4a(iii) of the Protect Areas Ordinance 2003 with permission from the Administrator needed for any development in that area. Development includes the erection of any structure. The Administrator’s ability to authorise any development in a protected area is limited to that which is in keeping with the features of the historical interest in the area, and the paramount consideration must be to limit development to the minimum consistent with the reasonable access to and enjoyment of the area by members of the public.
Having considered the relevant legislation and consulted with AIG’s Operations and Facilities and Conservation & Fisheries Directorates, there is no clear way that a fence or safety barrier could be erected on the wall of the Turtle Ponds without compromising the historical features of the area. The AIG Health and Safety Officer will be tasked, on his return to the island later this month with assessing ways that will make the BBQ area safer e.g. improved signage and improving the surface area around the steps that lead in the Turtle Pond from the BBQ area. We will also use the Health and Safety Officer’s input to issue a Public Notice reminding the community of the risks and of the need to ensure children are adequately supervised in all protected areas.
At the informal council meeting on 26th September you also raised concerns about fencing at the port in relation to child safety. It is important to note that this is a working port with fencing appropriate to operational needs and it is not designed to be a recreational area. Nevertheless in light of your concerns AIG will review signage and issue a reminder to the public that children should be supervised closely at all times in the port area.
Councillor Worthington
Submitted: 25 September 2024
Response: 4 October 2024
