28 people affected by the landslip and road closure of Undercliff Drive met with the Isle of Wight Conservative MP Andrew Turner yesterday afternoon.
The MP agreed to meet the residents who are dissatisfied with the delays from the Isle of Wight Council and PFI contractor Island Roads in ‘getting something done’ about the situation that has resulted in nine properties, including one business, being landlocked on the Undercliff.
Wide range of views
There were a wide variety of opinions expressed at the meeting, with some residents keen to see a temporary road solution implemented as soon as possible, whilst others favoured local councillor Stewart Blackmore’s calls for compulsory purchase.
Not all residents agreed, with some saying they did not want their homes bought by the council.
Local councillor Terry Gibbs explained how the delays in getting something done were having a detrimental effect on the health and mental well-being of residents.
Concerns that no action will be taken before the autumn and winter rains return were shared across the room.
Requests to improve signage ignored
Several residents to the east of the landslip expressed concern at the poor signage of the road closure, causing drivers with SatNavs driving down the road in bafflement.
One resident said she was constantly having drivers turning in her property, as well as being obliged to provide ‘tourist information’ for lost walkers attempting the coastal walk.
A representative from the Ventnor Botanic Garden explained that a barrier put in place by Island Roads just outside the Garden entrance was a disaster waiting to happen.
Criticism of councillors and officers
Councillors and officers came in for a lot of criticism, with one resident saying she’d voted for Cllr Steve Stubbings and would never vote for him again.
That view was echoed by others present at the meeting.
The owner of the caravan park explained to the MP that he’d had no income for over seven months because of the situation and had to return £15,000 in deposits to holiday-makers booked in for the summer.
The MP told residents he would gather all the questions together and try to seek answers from the Isle of Wight council.
Interview with Andrew Turner
Following the meeting we caught a few minutes with Andrew Turner. He was appreciative that residents had remained calm during the meeting.
Following accusations of things said to residents by councillors and officers which were later retracted, the MP said the Isle of Wight council and Island Roads management should exercise control over those that report to them.
Amongst other items touched on, Mr Turner finished by saying,
“I hope the council will recognise the need to recognise this road, and open it in good conditions, as soon as possible.”
Listen to the full interview by clicking on the play button below.
