The race is on for St George as crews work to prepare the Olde Towne for the arrival of the cruise ship Regatta next week.

Hurricane Gonzalo and Tropical Storm Fay caused significant damage to the town and Corporation of St George workers has been busy replacing signs and lamp posts.

But Mayor Garth Rothwell told The Royal Gazette the town was determined to make sure St George was ready for the influx of over 700 visitors next Thursday.

He said: “Several of the Corporation buildings have some roof damage and these buildings have been cleaned up and made waterproof.

“Immediately after the hurricane our crews made all streets and roads accessible for traffic and now are concentrating on cleaning up the town and removing truckloads of debris.

“Trash collection is back on schedule.

“There is a cruise ship scheduled for next week and we are determined to show this old town can take on a hurricane and still look good one week later.”

The Somers Gardens was severely damaged due to the back-to-back storms and will remain closed for the time being.

Mr Rothwell added: “The shrubs and especially some tall trees in Somers Gardens have been badly affected and debris is scattered around the gardens.

“At a recent emergency meeting the Corporation decided to keep these gardens closed whilst the town is made safe and completely cleaned up.

”The clean up of Somers Gardens will commence as manpower becomes available from priority work.

“The trees will be assessed to determine the best solution for each one as some have sustained extensive damage and may be unsafe in their current condition.

“We ask everyone, especially those who use the gardens regularly, to bear with us whilst we sort out the mess.

“As Mayor I would like to thank our Works Supervisor and his crew once again for their ongoing dedication to the town and especially their hard work over the last two weeks.

“Also, Councillor Anderson for his work as our on the spot contact with the EMO and all St George’s residents for the community spirit which has been evident to all.

“A special thank you to those who came out and helped to clear up immediately after the hurricane.”