Crossing limits in place for famous island link

People will only be able to cross an iconic strip of narrow path in Sark during limited times of the day while stabilisation works take place.

Sark's Douzaine committee previously said the work to prevent erosion on La Coupée would start after 13 April and take about three weeks to complete if no further issues were found.

The committee, responsible for the island's infrastructure, said temporary daytime closures would be needed for La Coupée, a much photographed isthmus connecting Sark and Little Sark, to "ensure the works could be carried out safely and to a high standard".

It added there would be scheduled access times each day to support essential travel from 13 April to 1 May.

The committee said Sark's geology meant some areas were at risk of occasional erosion, including La Coupée.

In January 2025 it was closed for emergency repair work after a "major slippage".

The works were a "proactive investment in safeguarding La Coupée for the future" and follow detailed inspections and surveys carried out by Geomarine, both before and after the emergency works in 2025, the committee added.

Grand Grève will also be closed to the public for the duration of the works and a notice to mariners for the benefit of visiting boatowners has also been published.

La Coupée will be closed daily from 06:30 BST to 18.30.

Scheduled crossing times will be:

• 08:00 – 08:30 for the school run
• 11:45 – 12:45 for lunchtime access
• 15:15 – 15:45 for the school run

The committee said arrangements were in place for any access needed by emergency services.

Mike Locke, chair of the Douzaine, said: "In past centuries, it has been the practice to fix erosion and rockfalls at La Coupée as they happen.

"We don't want to do that these days and have instituted regular surveys of the geology of La Coupée."

He added: "This year's major piece of work should ensure La Coupée is properly stabilised and safe both for the community who use it every day and our visitors who come here to see one of the glorious views of Sark and enjoy a swim on Grand Grève's golden sands."

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