TO quote the well-known phrase – time and tide wait for no man.

And a year on from a States debate last February about the future of our coastal defences, that much is clearly true.

Concern about their preservation and protection have now been replaced with growing fears for public safety.

As our page one story today reveals, a Vale deputy is calling for urgent repair work to a section of the sea wall at L’Ancresse and Pembroke, a much favoured area with beach users and bathers.

But while Environment assures everyone that it is safe – and awaits a UK report projecting the effects of climate and flood risks on any long-term decision – has the time come to re-think priorities?

Findings in the 2007 Guernsey Coastal Defence Strategy report carried out by Royal Haskoning made thought-provoking reading, including whether Guernsey should consider the so-called ‘do nothing’ approach – where nature and erosion are left to run their course.

Although the estimated £33,000 cost of looking into this option was not particularly welcome last year, and is even less so in the light of today’s challenging times, at least a clear and measured attempt to tackle the issue would have begun.

By now, States members may have had all the facts before them and been able to make an informed decision for the future.

Instead, the passage of 12 months has only served to make matters look and become worse.

Perhaps a climate projection report can take a year to research and publish. If so, how far away is it from being taken to the States?

While we put off any decisive action regarding our sea defences, one of the island’s most popular tourist spots continues to be affected.

No-one doubts that considering the future of our coastline is a complex and expensive matter.

But surely it is crucial this is done as soon as possible?

If not, then perhaps we will end up seeing the ‘do nothing’ approach adopted anyway.