Aberystwyth builders fined over unsafe cliff

Aberystwyth developer Merlin Homes was today fined £10,000 with £7,000 costs over the controversial Infirmary Road cliff (story last covered on this blog here).  The fine was for contravening a Prohibition Notice by the Health & Safety Executive supposed to prevent further work on the area to the rear of the new flats at the foot of the hill whilst the cliff behind remains unstable.  The cliff is part of Parc Natur Penglais, a local nature reserve owned by Ceredigion Council and run by local people.

The cliff developed major cracks in 2009 after local residents reported it being eaten into by JCBs and is thought to be in danger of collapse. The developer will need to agree a solution to the problem with the Council before work can continue.

Photo by David Kirby