Work is continuing for the installation of an elevator on the shore side at the Bermudiana Beach Resort, the Ministry of Public Works said last week.

A ministry spokesman said the elevator shaft, the support infrastructure for the lift at the South Shore cliff, was complete.

He added that the “elevator is being installed”.

Concerns were raised by members of the public about the stability of the area surrounding the shaft after damage sustained with the passage of Hurricane Ernesto.

Beverley Connell, who previously expressed reservations about the project, said from observations after the storm that a beach leading to the structure had been completely washed out.

She claimed that maintenance of the facility would rack up a considerable bill.

However, the ministry said engineers were confident in measures taken to safeguard the structural stability of the area at the site in Warwick.

It said repairs were to be carried out to a reinforcement wall beneath the cliff following the storm.

Environmental groups and residents have warned repeatedly that the stretch of coastline posed a danger to developments on the site.

Last month, the Government announced that it was pulling out of a deal for the resort that would have resulted in a boutique hotel run by the Hilton group.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, said the 94 units of the resort will instead be put on the rental market once construction is complete at the end of the year.

He revealed in the House of Assembly last week that the separation from the Hilton agreement cost $399,600.