BLACKPOOL COAST DEFENCE WORKS 101 



Between Bispham and Norbreck the bottom of the cliffs was protected by 

 a rough apron composed of rubble and concrete, which continued a short 

 distance up the face of the cliff, the foreshore on this length having a layer of 

 gravel for a distance of about 100 yards from the bottom of the cliff. 



The general level of the gravel at the bottom of the apron on this length 

 was 17 O.D., so it will be realised that in heavy seas the clay face of the cliff 

 was liable to erosion. 



From Norbreck to Cleveleys the cliff face was merely sandhills, but the 

 gravel level on this length of foreshore was considerably higher than else- 

 where, and thus afforded better protection to the cliff face. 



The work of construction of the new Promenade was commenced in August, 

 1932, and consists of two separate sections. That from Bispham to Little 

 Bispham comprises two separate promenades, the lower one built at a level of 

 1 8 O.D., and the higher promenade at a level of 24 O.D., and Fig. No. 12 shows a 

 cross section of this promenade. 



This length of the promenade is for the use of pedestrians only, and has no 

 provision for vehicular traffic. 



The over-all width of this section of the promenade has a minimum of 

 55 feet varying according to the slope of the cliff to the higher promenade. 

 The bottom of the cliff is finished off to meet the promenade by means of a 

 rockery wall provided with seating accommodation. 



From Little Bispham to Cleveleys, the promenade is at a level of 24 O.D., 

 and is provided with a 30 feet carriage-way, and has an over-all width of 

 100 feet. 



Fig. No. 13 shows a section of this promenade. 



At Little Bispham, below the level of the promenade, an underground 

 car-park capable of holding 120 cars has been constructed. This has an 

 over-all length of 300 feet, and is 40 feet wide, and is constructed in reinforced 

 concrete with deck lighting, entrance and exit slades having a gradient of 

 1 in 10. It is fully equipped with ventilation plant and fire-fighting apparatus. 

 This has proved a distinct success in the bathing season, as the public are thus 

 enabled to park their cars in close proximity to the bathing beach for a moderate 

 charge. 



It is also proposed to erect a series of beach chalets, in concrete and brick- 

 work, built into the cliff face south of Little Bispham, and it is anticipated that 

 these will prove a popular amenity. 



At Anchorsholme a large pumping station has been constructed below 

 promenade level, complete with pumping plant and screening equipment 

 capable of dealing with 445 cubic feet per second of water from the drainage 

 of the northern part of the borough. At regular intervals along the sea-wall, 

 steps and slades are provided to give access to the beach. 



I will endeavour to describe the method of procedure adopted in the 

 construction of this work. 



After the line of the wall has been set out, a line of piles composed of old 

 tram rails, 7 inch section, are driven at 8 feet centres. These are called king 

 piles, and they vary in length from 14 feet to 18 feet according to the depth 

 of the clay below the gravel and sand. 



