Ventnorians, businesses and visitors to the town will be pleased to hear that continued attempts are being made to tackle the problem of rotting seaweed in Ventnor Haven.
As readers will remember from last year’s report, the stench which has been reaching all corners of Ventnor, is caused by a build up of rotting seaweed in the Haven.
The rotten egg smell comes from the hydrogen sulphide gas which is being released from the seaweed.
New techniques used to clear Haven
Last year this was resolved by digging out the rotting seaweed and disposing of it further down the coast (near the skate park) so it can be washed back out to sea.
VB spoke to local county councillor Chris Welsford this afternoon who explained that due to the rise in sea temperatures, the seaweed has been rotting in just three months when it would normally take at least a year.
Yesterday evening he had a meeting with Sean Strevens (harbour master) and Peter Hayward (council officer) at the Haven to see a new pump being trialled.
Pump being trialled this week
The huge pump has been rented by the harbourmaster for a week to see whether it will be effective in removing the rotting seaweed through a large pipe and over the seawall.
It runs on a V6 truck engine and a raft or boat will need to be build for it to sit on.
Council committed to resolving issue
Cllr Welsford said, “There is no question that this is proving to be a very difficult problem to solve, but I have had an assurance from Peter Hayward that the Isle of Council won’t give up on the matter and Sean Strevens is very committed to finding a permanent solution.”
Representatives from the Town Council and both County Councillors are meeting Stuart Love (Director responsible for Environment) and Peter Hayward (Head of Highways) for a briefing and discussion on the next steps tomorrow.
We’ll let you know when we hear more.
Image: Ventlindown
