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By Helen Knapman
The ominous plans for Boscombe’s artificial surf reef have yet again been met by another stumbling block.
It has been uncovered that the builders from New Zealand due to work on the reef are yet to arrive in the country, seriously hindering the development of the reef. Work was set to begin following the cease of bad weather. Even more disturbing is the fact that Bournemouth tax payers money is being spent on rented accommodation for these specialists even though they are still not here, causing a wave of hostility from locals towards the plans.
The reef, which would have been one of four artificial reefs in the world, and the first in Europe, was due to be completed in October 2008. Made from sand bags to mimic the ocean floor, it will be completely sub-merged. The reef, which will be the size of a football pitch is being designed to act as a ramp, and experts are hoping that it will produce grade five level waves. For those who surf, as a comparison Hawaii’s infamous pipeline is at grade eight level. However, building progress is yet to be seen in the New Year.
Mike Walcroft from Sorted Surf Shop explains how locals are beginning to get annoyed with the delays; “The plans have been in the pipeline for three years now and the local surfers are wondering if the reef will ever be completed.”
Problems with funding are also to blame for the projects delay. The original costs were set at £1.8 million, eight months down the line this figure has dramatically risen to three million. Arguably the council should have planned this venture more efficiently or else spent the money on another scheme.
It is hoped that when the reef is completed it will be long worth the wait by attracting tourists to the area. Mike tells us how the reef has been advertised world wide; “It will be really beneficial for Boscombe by encouraging tourists all year round to experience the challenging waves.”
But with summer 2009 fast approaching it is debatable as to whether completion will ever be on the cards.
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