A planning application has been submitted to restore storm-damaged stairs which lead to an East End beach.

The application, submitted by IEPC Ltd on behalf of the Bermuda Government, proposed rebuilding the dock and staircase leading to Achilles Bay near Fort St Catherine’s in St George’s.

The documents state: “Following years of neglect and hurricane damage, the state of the existing Achilles Bay public access staircase poses a significant risk to public safety.

“The staircase and dock are displaying signs of major structural failure. Currently, temporary staging has been erected to provide safe access to the bay.”

The firm stated that they had consulted with the Department of Works and Engineering, Department of Public Lands and Buildings and the Department of Parks to ensure the project would have their support.

The documents added: “The new staircase, will withstand storm surge, be constructed of construction materials suitable for the marine environment, improve the overall presentation of the area and provide safe access into the bay for the public.”

The Government this summer put out a request for proposal seeking bids for the project, which would include the demolition of the existing, dilapidated structure and construction of new stairs with reinforced masonry and concrete.