The Folkestone Camping and Caravanning Club Site at the Warren, renowned for its picturesque views of Folkestone’s beach, has been permanently closed due to significant ground movement and landslip concerns.
The site, beloved by many for its beauty and tranquility, faced sudden geological disturbances, including large cracks on the nearby promenade and access road, leading to the closure decision.
In recent weeks, these unsettling developments have prompted a thorough evaluation of the site’s safety, culminating in the Club’s decision to not renew its lease with the Folkestone and Hythe District Council, as reported by Kent Online.
“Following ongoing ground movement concerns, we have unfortunately had to close our Folkestone Club Site,” stated a release on the Club’s official website. This closure is a precautionary step to ensure visitor safety, reflecting the Club’s commitment to high safety standards.
The area has been popular among campers and nature enthusiasts, drawn by its accessible location and excellent facilities. The site boasted a 4.3-star rating on Google, with reviewers frequently praising its scenic setting and well-maintained amenities. However, the recent land instability has overshadowed its longstanding appeal.
The Folkestone and Hythe District Council has acknowledged the closure and is currently refraining from seeking new tenants for the 60-pitch site.
“We’re aware the Camping & Caravanning Club has decided not to renew its lease. We’re working closely with all landowners and stakeholders of the wider Warren site to understand the current issues and possible solutions,” a council spokesman said.
Transportation infrastructure has also been affected by the ground movement, with a major crack appearing on an access road that runs alongside a railway line. This has necessitated slight timetable adjustments for trains starting April 22, as confirmed by Southeastern railway.
A temporary speed restriction has been imposed on the line, and regular checks are being conducted to monitor the situation and ensure public safety.
Moreover, the service reductions on the Folkestone West line towards Dover, already in place off-peak, have been implemented to further safeguard rail passengers. The integrity of the railway line continues to be a priority, with ongoing assessments to determine the full extent of the geological impact.
Adjacent recreational areas have not been spared; the promenade has seen upheavals with concrete slabs being lifted, prompting partial closures. Additionally, the Zig Zag path, a popular route for accessing the beauty spot, is closed for necessary repairs to address the safety risks posed by the unstable ground.
Despite the closure of the Warren site, nearby camping facilities like Little Switzerland continue to operate as usual, offering an alternative for displaced campers. This site remains open and unaffected by the issues plaguing the Warren, providing a safe and enjoyable camping option for visitors.
As the situation develops, the Camping and Caravanning Club is proactively reaching out to members with existing bookings to offer alternative arrangements. The club is prioritizing those with imminent arrival dates, ensuring that the impact on their planned vacations is minimized and handled with customer care at the forefront.
The closure of the Folkestone Camping and Caravanning Club Site at the Warren reflects a broader need for vigilance in areas prone to geological disturbances.
As local authorities and stakeholders collaborate to understand and mitigate the risks, the community remains hopeful for a resolution that will once again allow safe access to one of Folkestone’s cherished natural locales.