Bascome: Walls are a danger

Crumbling walls are becoming a danger and a hazard in St George’s, according to MP Kenneth Bascome.

The former Mayor told the Bermuda Sun homeowners needed to take responsibility for the upkeep of their own property.

But he also called on Government to help ensure that the old stone walls lining the streets were maintained properly. 

He said: “This is a serious problem in St George’s and we need to do something about it soon before someone gets hurt.

“People need to take responsibility for their own properties and make sure they are not a hazard to others.

“We have many examples in St George’s where walls have either collapsed into main roads or are on the verge of doing so.

“It is not just an eyesore but a danger too.”

Mr Bascome’s call for action comes after St George’s residents brought their concerns about the town’s crumbling walls to the MPs attention.

And it is not the first time that the state of the parish’s walls and rock faces has been a cause for alarm.

In July 2011 a huge chunk of rock face on Wellington Lane collapsed during heavy rain and seriously injured a passing motorcyclist.

Repairs on the section did not begin until the end of last year.

Mr Bascome added: “York Street and Hedge Grove Lane are two areas that are blighted by crumbling walls.

“It is just a matter of time before they become more than just eye sores and collapse into the road.

“And the obvious danger then is that someone gets hurt by the falling debris.

“We need to do something now before this happens and we need people to take responsibility and the Government to help us too.

“At the moment the state of some walls is a peril to the public.” n