Residents in the landlocked properties on Undercliff Drive were forced to either move their cars off their properties or have them trapped, after staff from Island Roads arrived this afternoon to put two water-filled barriers across the entrance to the road that was rebuilt by volunteers last weekend.
Officials from engineering group Ramboll visited the site today to survey the work that has been carried out by the volunteers (some of whom we’re told are very experienced in building roads).
Future of temporary road in the hands of Ramboll
It’s not known when Ramboll’s report will be delivered back to Island Roads, but the future of the temporary road is dependent upon the outcome of it.
If the engineers confirm the work was completed to a satisfactory standard, surely there would be no reason to deny vehicle access to homes, claim residents.
The road is not open to the general public. It’s only accessible through locked barriers, which the residents, Island Roads and council officers have the passcode to.
Island Roads claim: “Stuck in the middle”
Kieron Blamey, the project manager from Island Roads, told residents they were simply carrying out instructions on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council.
He stated that Island Roads were “stuck in the middle”, claimed the company was responsible for the health and safety of anyone using the road and until they approved it as safe for cars to use, it would be made inaccessible.
All emergency services have been notified of the plans and given approval to place the water-filled barriers across the road. It would leave approximately 1.5-1.8m gap for residents or emergency services to pass through on foot.
No heating for residents
This action means the deliveries of heating oil for at least one property and LPG for another cannot now be made.
One resident in her late 60s explained she is without heating and having to stay warm by wearing hats, scarves and lots of layers when at home – and that’s before it gets really cold.
Hopes for a meeting between all parties
Residents commented on how it had taken eight months to get this far, but somehow the council and Island Roads were able to make a decision to close the road and mobilise so many staff to attend the site in just 24 hours.
Mr Blamey said he hoped to be able to organise a meeting between the residents, Island Roads and the Isle of Wight council for next week to “seek a way forward.”
Image: © Gary Smedmore
