This afternoon, Daniel – an ethereal, ancient man of the earth – arrived in Ventnor (after facing unexpected delays on the ferry).
The eight-foot puppet, beautifully crafted and majestic in appearance, had heard about the rockfall on Belgrave Road and the four-month closure that followed.
He came to offer his support and lend his large hands in the hope the road can reopen in time for the Ventnor Fringe Festival (18th-27th July – more about that on the website).
Festival hopes rest on vital road link
Although Island Roads‘ contractors are due to begin work next week (from 9th July) to remove the rocks and make the road safe for pedestrian access, Ventnor Fringe’s Creative and Development Director, Jack Whitewood, told OnTheWight he had been informed by the Highways PFI contractor that the route was unlikely to reopen in time for the festival.
Belgrave Road is an essential pedestrian link. It connects events happening across the town with the festival village in Ventnor Park and the Big Top venue at Flowersbrook.
Current diversion is steep and difficult
With the road closed, festival-goers face a steep uphill walk via Alpine Road and Park Avenue. Local residents – including many older and less mobile people – have already been forced to navigate this longer route in recent months. Not an easy task for many given recent temperatures.
By the way, Daniel is planning to return to Ventnor for the Walk of the Dandelion (his favourite flower), as part of this year’s Ventnor Fringe. Details about that event can be found on the festival’s website.
Remaining hopeful
It’s not clear whether Daniel’s symbolic gesture will influence the timeline of the works. However, organisers and residents remain hopeful.
Many are hoping that Island Roads will surprise everyone with a last-minute solution and ensure the road reopens in time – becoming, as some say, “the heroes of the day”.
