The Heugh Breakwater protects the approach to Hartlepool’s Dock from storms and strong currents. Over the past months, it has faced rough storms which have weakened the structure. Jill Mortimer has written to the Chief Executive of PD Ports, the company who oversees the maintenance of the Breakwater to ensure action is taken promptly.
On Tuesday 20 February, Jill wrote a letter to the Chief Executive of PD Ports, Frans Calje. This was then published to her Facebook on Thursday 22 February.
In the letter Jill Mortimer wrote, “the Breakwater is a reminder of Hartlepool’s rich maritime history and to this day is the first impression of Hartlepool for those travelling by sea. After writing to you in 2022, there has been no progress towards restoring the Breakwater, and I fear for the safety of those who continue to use it.
“As a functional breakwater, I am also concerned that should Heugh Breakwater fall into disrepair it would no longer be able to serve it’s purpose of protecting the approach to Hartlepool Dock from tides, currents, waves and storm surges. Without the Breakwater, erosion may take hold, and our headland landscape would change forever.
“As one of Hartlepool’s iconic historical landmarks, I join the many local residents who would be overjoyed to see restoration work carried out on the Breakwater beyond conducting safety works, to ensure it remains for generations to come.”
She concluded by requesting a meeting at the earliest convenience at the site of the Breakwater, to examine the reports of crumbling concrete and uneven walking surface.
Jill’s action prompted a direct response from PD Ports, and Jill spoke with the Chief Executive on Friday, which was followed by a public announcement.
The company has now committed to rectifying the damage, and to look into replacing the rails and repairing the paving on the publicly accessible part of the structure.
Jill Mortimer MP said:
"I'm pleased to see that in response to my letter sent on Tuesday 20 February, PD Ports have shared their plan of action to restore the Heugh Breakwater moving forwards.
"I'm grateful to have received a phone call from the Chief Executive, Frans, on Friday morning. We were able to discuss the actions PD Ports will be taking to proactively repair the paving and railings, following works to rectify the recent damage caused by storms.
"Frans listened to my feedback and concerns which were raised on behalf of constituents, and I will continue to stay in regular contact with him to ensure this is delivered on promptly for the people of Hartlepool. As well as still being functional today, the Breakwater is an iconic historical landmark and an important reminder of Hartlepool's heritage."