Residents on Undercliff Drive have been waiting with baited breath all day for the outcome of a meeting between councillors and officers at County Hall.
The meeting, which was due to start at 9am and then deferred until later in the day, was we’re told, set up to go through the legalities of options discussed at yesterday’s meeting with two Undercliff Drive residents.
Volunteer re-built road closed by Island Roads
As reported by OnTheWight last week, a new section of temporary road was recently built on Undercliff Drive by volunteers after residents have waited eight months for practical action from the council, following a landslip that left nine families landlocked.
Four councillors and two senior officers from the council met with Gary Smedmore on Sunday afternoon to discuss a way forward, after the newly re-built road was closed by Island Roads on Friday afternoon.
No car or lorry access
The outcome of the meeting is that unadopting the road would take too long (18 months) and residents signing a waiver in order to use the road couldn’t happen because the council would still be liable.
Residents were told that the issue with the water pipe would be sorted by Bill Murphy and the Island Roads would ensure that fuel is delivered to properties needing it for the winter.
Cllr Phil Jordan told OnTheWight,
“We’ve tried everything today. We’ve even spoken to the Army about putting a Bailey bridge in.
“We’re not giving up.”
Resident: “Very disappointed”
Gary Smedmore told OnTheWight,
“I’m very disappointed, it doesn’t help us at all. As the day has gone on, there’s been less and less chance of hearing anything positive.”
“I’ve pressed for an independent inquiry of all that has happened at Undercliff Drive since Island Roads started work last year.”
Cllr Jordan: “The level of risk is too great”
Councillor Phil Jordan, Executive member for public protection and highways PFI, said:
“We are sympathetic with the situation the residents find themselves in, and we have held a number of meetings today after Sunday’s site visit (26 October) to consider all the options available.
“We took legal advice, and also considered expert technical advice from both Island Roads and independent consultant engineers Ramboll UK. Regretfully we have been informed that if vehicles continue to use the road, there is a danger the highway could fail without warning.
“We did explore the possibility of residents agreeing to limited use of the road, but unfortunately, this is not possible as the council would continue to be liable for any serious incidents.
“Reluctantly, this means the level of risk is too great and the road will have to remain closed to vehicles.
“However, we are making arrangements to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies to residents, such as heating oil, ahead of and during the winter period, and pedestrian access will also be maintained.
“As previously stated, the council is currently drafting a report into future options at The Undercliff and this will be considered at a meeting of the Executive at the earliest opportunity.”
