SOCIAL media went into meltdown during the week with contributors to the Phillip Island Community Notice Board wondering what’s happening with the discontinued footpath works outside the Westernport Hotel in Marine Parade San Remo.

The implications of the long-drawn-out affair may have been further complicated by the fact that the leasehold of “one of Victoria’s much loved coastal pubs” was advertised for sale during the week.

And in the absence of a definitive word from the Bass Coast Shire Council, interested locals have filled the void with speculation.

The reoccurring feature of the discussions is that the footpath works, which were commenced in April and almost immediately discontinued, have run into some Aboriginal Cultural Heritage issues.

The Bass Coast Shire Council has simply responded that they can’t comment on Cultural Heritage Matters.

“The project cost is in the order of $105,000,” said the council in response to questions from the Sentinel-Times.

“Work commenced in May and it is anticipated that the project will be completed this month.

“Council and Council’s contractors have continued to work collaboratively with all stakeholders leading up to and during the project and are complying with any legislative requirements.”

A spokesman for Beand Cafe in Marine Parade said a representative of the Shire called in a couple of weeks ago but didn’t say when works would restart and more importantly when they’d finish.

“They said something had been found, bones or something that might have been bones. They don’t know but they said it’s been taken over by the government’s aboriginal heritage department so who knows how long that will take.

“People come up this end of town and think the footpath is closed or something so it has been affecting business for sure.

“They told us back in April it would only take four weeks, but the barriers are still up and nothing has happened for weeks.”

Phillip Island artist, Steve Parker, a Boonwurrung, Yorta Yorta , Erub man, has added weight to claims that indigenous cultural heritage issues are the reason for the delay.

Taking part in a discussion on the public Phillip Island Community Notice Board Facebook page, he responded to claims the site was “under Cultural Heritage investigation” but that “nothing had been found yet”.

“Council not doing their cultural heritage right. That's why it's held up,” said Mr Parker.

“That whole foreshore area of San Remo is very sensitive.”.

Others noted their concern for business owners as a result of the delays.

* It’s a joke and a disgrace the footpaths are dangerous, and they need to be fixed and how is anybody supposed to run a business with all that barricading around the hotel?

* Feel so sorry for the pub owners. We were there on a Friday lunchtime, only two other couples dining. How can a business survive! No thought for the business losing patrons since May.

Others lamented the loss of the trees.

Bass Coast Shire Council announced the impending start to works on April 8.

“Works will begin work in coming weeks to replace a section of footpath in Marine Parade, San Remo.

“The section of path, located in front of the Westernport Hotel on the corner of Marine Parade and Woolamai Grove, has been significantly impacted by tree roots which have lifted sections of the path creating hazards for pedestrians.

“Maintenance has been undertaken over the years to repair the footpath and retain the trees, this included patching, replacing sections and grinding to level sections. The footpath has now reached a point where it requires to be replaced to ensure pedestrian safety.

“In this instance three trees will be removed to prevent the footpath lifting in future. Council will install potted trees to replace the trees that have been removed. This supports Council’s commitment to maintaining character of our towns and climate change mitigation.”

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Clare Le Serve emphasised safety as a priority for Council.

“Wherever possible we try to avoid removing mature trees but when it comes to our community’s safety, we must put this first,” Cr Le Serve said.

So, the council claims the footpath work in Marine Parade San Remo will be completed in July. Only time will tell.