Park Fencing to Be Replaced Following Landslides

New fencing is scheduled for installation in front of a cliff face at a Nottinghamshire park due to safety concerns following a landslide. Mansfield District Council reported that a landslide occurred at the Third Field, within Forest Road Park, known locally as Spider Park, in spring 2021. This was followed by another in December 2023, with additional smaller slips noted in recent months. The authority stated it is putting in a stronger temporary fence this week, replacing the damaged current one. This barrier will be removed once stabilization work on the cliff face is finished. The council is unsure of the precise timing but hopes the work will take place early next year. The authority released a statement: “We kindly ask that visitors, including dog walkers, avoid trying to access this area for everyone’s safety.” Julie Snowdon, the public space manager for the council, stated that security fencing was erected in front of the cliff face after the initial landslide, following the advice of engineering consultants. She further noted: “However, late last year there was another landslip which took about 10 of the temporary fence panels down.” Ms. Snowdon continued: “At that point, we realised we needed to do something more so we altered the fencing. But we are having daily issues with the fencing being damaged or knocked over as it is only temporary.” She also stated that more robust fencing from another site had become available, which they intend to use until stabilization work can be carried out. She emphasized: “There has been two or three smaller landslips in the last few weeks so it is really important that we keep that site safe for anybody using it and to prevent access to the cliff face until we manage to carry out the works.” She further noted that the contractor Fairhurst had completed another survey and was formulating a plan to stabilize the land, with the council urging for the work to be carried out as early as possible next year. Ms Snowdon stated: “I understand people are frustrated that part of it is closed off but we want people to be safe while the work is done, but we have to get the works right.”