East Cowes Esplanade landslip by Martin Bowers

Council waiting for landslide to stabilise

As residents will be aware, the esplanade in East Cowes was closed to vehicles and pedestrians when a landslide occurred back in April this year.

The dead-end road has remained closed since then, with the debris from the landslip still laying across the road.

Concern for the seawall
Concerned readers have recently been in touch concerned about the safety of the seawall. OnTheWight contacted the Isle of Wight council to see what the plans were.

A spokesperson from the Isle of Wight council told OnTheWight,

“We are continuing to monitor the landslide which at present, has yet to stabilise.

“The removal of debris at this stage could result in further landslides in the current location and cause new landslides nearby, therefore the council cannot make any plans for the area until the land has stabilised and it is able to fully understand the costs and benefits of any actions it may take.

Reassurance for residents
The spokesperson went on to reassure residents about the safety of the seawall, saying,

“The section of sea wall near to the landslide has been inspected by our engineer, who has found it to be structurally sound. The area remains fenced off for the safety of residents.”

Image: © Martin Bower