A community dock in Devonshire is fully reopen after renovations, the Ministry of Public Works and Environment announced.

A spokesman said $400,000 was allocated from the ministry’s 2024 midyear budget to improve public docks throughout the island, which included bringing Sandy’s Dock on North Shore Road to “a safe and attractive standard”.

Area residents reported incidents of loitering and illegal dumping at the site west of Devonshire Dock, which closed after damage from hurricanes made it unsafe for public use.

The spokesman said work included rebuilding damaged retaining walls, installing perimeter fencing, removing invasive greenery and enhancing the area with plants, landscaping and picnic tables.

He explained: “While the second section of the retaining wall required additional repairs into July, the dock itself has been in service for the community throughout the summer.

“The project was completed under budget, with a final contract value of $71,802.01, well below the $90,000 initially budgeted.”

Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, said: “I am delighted to see Sandy’s Dock restored to the standard this community deserves.

“We promised to address the condition of this site and today we have delivered on that promise, and we have done so under budget.

“This is an example of the Government delivering tangible results that directly benefit our people.

“Although the site is referred to as Sandy’s Dock, it is actually a gathering place for families, a safe space for our young people to swim and a valued part of the area’s social fabric.”

Mr Adams thanked Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, for his advocacy, as well as Smith Hauling and Excavating and the Department of Parks for their work at the site.