"With a bit of effort they could’ve done it by now": Frustration as SailGP fencing remains

“With a bit of effort they could’ve done it by now”: Residents share frustration over fencing still blocking Southsea Castle a week after SailGP.

Although a full working week has passed since the SailGP racing boats left Portsmouth, the fencing that came with them has overstayed its welcome.

Residents hoping for a seaside stroll, a promenade walk or a visit to Southsea Castle instead found fences still blocking Castle Fields, parts of the promenade and the castle itself.

Castle Fields remains closed from Clarence Esplanade, while Southsea Castle is fenced off from Brian Kidd Way, leaving would-be visitors to admire it from a distance.

John and Jo Horley discovered that the hard way as they headed to Southsea Castle with their granddaughter for breakfast.

“You can’t get in?” Mr Horley said, before lamenting: “It’s great in there for breakfast.”

After he accepted defeat, he added: “It’s all closed off with no signage, nothing – it’s a bit inconvenient.

“There’s nothing going on, I can understand they’re packing away but why can’t they take the fencing down.

“It’s not good, with a bit of effort they could’ve done it by now.”

A little further along Brian Kidd Way, Peter Picton and his dog Stanley reached the same conclusion.

“I think the prom should be open – it’s not on,” he said, adding that many local residents had been complaining about the closures.

“It will be alright for a couple of weeks then Victorious will block it all off again, they built a brand new beautiful promenade and you can’t get on it when the weather’s nice.”

Mr Picton said Stanley was particularly disappointed because he “enjoys running along the promenade”.

Even visitors weren’t spared. A couple from Horsham, who had also been obstructed while SailGP was being set up, said the lingering fences were “a damn nuisance”.

A Portsmouth City Council spokesperson said: “Part of the promenade between the Pyramids and Southsea Castle has reopened earlier than planned, with the remainder reopening this evening subject to final safety inspections.

“Southsea Castle will also be accessible from this evening, while Castle Field will reopen on Sunday evening as originally agreed once the site is cleared.

“We are in regular contact with SailGP to support the safe and swift reopening of the seafront areas.”

Sail GP were approached for comment.