MAJOR RAMSGATE SEAFRONT PROJECT NEAR COMPLETION

A major project to return an historic area along a clifftop in Ramsgate to its original appearance is nearing completion.

The project, focusing on Albion Gardens and Madeira Walk, has taken place in a series of phases and has been organised by the council’s open spaces team. In Albion Gardens, the railings have been painted and repaired, with clearing works also carried out by Community Payback. Money from the council and the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme was used to replace a more modern section of railings with a more sympathetic historic version.

In the summer of 2011, self-seeded trees and tree stumps were removed from above the waterfall and replaced with a low maintenance cottage garden using plants such as anemones, dianthus, irises, lupins and geraniums.

During the winter of 2011/12, the team has been working on the final phase of the project on the area opposite the waterfall on Madeira Walk. This area is listed, because it is home to one of the best examples of Pulham artificial rock in the country, but over the years, self seeded trees had obscured this and started to damage the rock. The team has now removed the trees, stumps and roots, with some stumps drilled and treated to stop them growing again. The work has also uncovered lights, which are now back in working order. Conifers and grasses will be planted in this area.

Three oak trees at the base of Madeira Walk have been retained, but approximately a quarter of the branches will be removed. The team has been supported in the project by the Ramsgate Society, who have been carrying out planting in the area.

Cllr. Alan Poole, Cabinet Member for Commercial Services, said: “There has been a really positive response from the residents, they really appreciate our team’s labours. The rock features are now visible and some sea views have been recreated. The listed status has meant that extra care has been taken to avoid damage, it has been one of the most sensitive tasks that our team has undertaken. The work that has been carried out has helped to bring back the whole area to its original glory, the transformation is apparent. It has provided inspiration for a local resident’s own garden.”