BOREHOLES ten metres deep will be drilled into the ground at Stanpit Recreation Ground in Christchurch.

The work is being carried out as part of an investigation as the beauty spot was once a landfill tip before it was capped and seeded in the last century.

Residents have spotted the work over the past few weeks, with BCP Council confirming it will continue to take place over the next few months.

Councillor Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment and place said: “We are carrying out a series of ground investigation works at Stanpit Recreation Ground over the next few months. This will include drilling a number of 10m deep boreholes.

Read more: Residents to have their say £120,000 plans to transform Stanpit Rec in Christchurch

“The recreation ground historically was built on top of reclaimed landfill in 1981. It is now a well-loved and popular open space for residents, with regular events such as car boot sales, visiting attractions such as the circus and the annual bonfire taking place throughout year.

“As part of our responsibilities as the landowner, we are required to carry out investigation works on a regular basis to monitor the landfill and check for any changes over time, to ensure that the recreation area can continue to be used as normal and safely in the future. “These works pose no risk to the public. We would kindly ask all visitors to follow signage and barriers to keep clear whilst these works are taking place.”

In 2004, a Christchurch Bay and harbour flood and coastal erosion risk management study said: "There are a number of existing and former landfill sites within and just outside the study area.

Read the erosion study from 2004 here 

"In particular, Christchurch Harbour has a number of former landfill sites in close proximity, including one north of Stanpit Marsh and one at Wick Fields.

"These would present a danger of contamination in the event that a do nothing or managed realignment policy allowed them to become intertidal."

It added: "The majority of the land lies between 0.5m and 1.0m above sea level, and is therefore within the local tidal range, especially in winter.

"During the winter, spring tides commonly reach 0.75 m OD, at which level over half the marsh floods.

"Even during periods of no tidal flooding, the marsh can be inundated from rainwater. Also, a relatively small proportion of the marsh appears to be suffering additional erosion damage, mostly affecting those aspects facing the prevailing south-westerly winds.

"Due to predictions in sea level rise and climate change, there are concerns that erosion of the toxic tipped land behind the marsh will wash into the sea, which is considered environmentally unacceptable.

"There is a long-term need, therefore, to manage the erosion."