One of Bermuda's most historically important sites has become a major eyesore.

Opposition Leader Kim Swan says the very place where Sir George Somers and his shipwrecked crew came ashore 400 years ago is in a "deplorable state". Visitors to Fort St. Catherine beach in St. George's are greeted with a sign "Danger Keep Out", holes, piles of rubble, and a dilapidated boardwalk.

Mr. Swan is not happy about the sign or the general disrepair of the area around historic Fort St. Catherine, especially as this is Bermuda's 400th anniversary and he wants the site cleaned up and made safe in time for the tourist season.

The Fort St. Catherine beach house was knocked down as part of the demolition of the old Club Med, to make way for a new luxury Park Hyatt Hotel by Bazarian International.

The old hotel was demolished last year and work on the new resort is due to start this year, although there has been no announcement on funding.

Speaking in mid-February, Premier Dr. Ewart Brown said developer Carl Bazarian had provided assurances "two weeks ago" that he was still very confident of delivering the hotel at the Club Med site.

Mr. Swan said: "The real problem relates to the mindset that has allowed this area to be an eyesore. In this our 400th year, it is unacceptable for this area to be in such a state. "It's not what we want our St. George's shoreline to look like. The developer who is responsible for this area needs to beautify it!"

Mr. Swan added: "I have brought the issue of the boardwalk and shoreline at St. Catherine's to the attention of the Government on numerous occasions. The hole which has sat empty has now been finally covered. But the boardwalk is still full of holes."

Mr. Swan is hoping the developers and Government will address the closure of the St. George's Golf Course as well. He said currently people were playing on it for free while a skeleton staff is maintaining it.

But with the season about to begin, Mr. Swan said it would be nice if the course could be re-opened to the public and visitors.

"Golf is one major amenity missing in St. George's," he added. "What really concerns me about this whole development of the Club Med site is just what is the timetable?"