The attached briefing notes were provided to members of the Board following a “call for evidence” about the collapse of Livermead Sea Wall.  Having considered the information, members have indicated that they wish to further discuss the following points:

·         Communications

·         Involvement of South West Water in the tender process

·         Future sea defence issues

Following its meeting held on 30 April 2013, the Board had issued a “call for evidence” on the circumstances surrounding the breach of the sea wall at Livermead over Easter 2013 and the subsequent response to determine if lessons could be learnt.

Information had been received from Torbay Council and South West Water and, following consideration of that information, members of the Board had requested a further opportunity to discuss:

·        Communications

·        Involvement of South West Water in the tender process

·        Future sea defence issues

Representatives of the Council and South West Water attended the meeting to answer the Board’s questions.

The information provided to the Board showed that South West Water were not involved in the tender process until the contractor had been appointed.  There then appeared to be a delay in undertaking the works whilst approval for the method of working was sought.  South West Water told the Board that, depending on the works, it was sometimes easier for them to be involved in the process earlier than had been the case in this instance.

The Executive Head – Residents and Visitor Services accepted that lessons had been learnt for any future works which were in the vicinity of South West Water’s rising main especially at Meadfoot and Livermead.

In terms of the communications following the breach of the sea wall, the Board were told that the Council had followed its Emergency Plan procedure and that the Council had worked well with the South West Water press team.

Recommended:  that where works to Council assets may also have an impact on other significant assets of value to the community, bidding contractors be encouraged to have early consultations with the appropriate parties.

Resolved:  (i)  that the Board remains concerned that the Council’s communication in relation to the breach of the sea wall at Livermead was not as open and transparent as possible; and

(ii)        that a written response be provided to the Board’s questions in relation to the future of Torbay’s sea defences.

To consider a briefing note on the recent breach to the sea wall at Livermead and to determine if a further review by the Board is required.

The Board considered a briefing note on the recent breach to the sea wall at Livermead.  The note answered five specific questions which had been raised by the Vice-chairman of the Board and also set out a summary of the response to the incident.

In considering the report, the Board congratulated and thanked the team of officers who had dealt the collapse.

Resolved:  that the Board carry out a review into the circumstances surrounding the collapse and the subsequent response as part of its Work Programme for 2013/2014 and that members of the Board identify the specific areas of questioning that they would wish to pursue.