Article 18 Abatement of works abandoned or decayedI1

Where a tidal work is abandoned, or allowed to fall into decay, the Secretary of State may by notice in writing (and following consultation with the MMO) require the undertaker at its own expense either to repair and restore that work or any part, or to remove that work and restore the site to its former condition, to such an extent and within such limits as the Secretary of State thinks proper.

Where a work consisting partly of a tidal work and partly of works on or over land above the level of high water is abandoned or allowed to fall into decay and that part of the work on or over land above the level of high water is in such condition as to interfere or to cause reasonable apprehension that it may interfere with the right of navigation or other public rights over the foreshore, the Secretary of State may include that part of the work, or any portion of it, in any notice under this article.

If the undertaker fails to comply in any respect with a notice served under this article within the period of 30 days beginning with the date of service of the notice, the Secretary of State may take whatever steps the Secretary of State considers appropriate to achieve the result required by the notice; and any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State in doing so is recoverable from the undertaker.