The Mayor of Ventnor has told News OnTheWight that calls for safety improvements on the soon-to-be-reopened Belgrave Road have fallen on deaf ears at the Isle of Wight council (IWC).
The road has been closed since January 2020 after the partial collapse of the retaining wall between Belgrave Road and Esplanade Road.
Works coming to an end
Preliminary works began in September 2021 and have continued since, with many positive comments and praise locally for the quality of the reconstruction works, which have also been shortlisted for a national award.
Once the resurfacing of the road between Church Street and the junction with Esplanade Road is complete, the road is due to be reopened around mid-December (weather permitting).
Calls for safety improvements
However, Ventnor Town Council (VTC) have called on IWC to make further changes to ensure the safety of pedestrians before the road is reopened.
Cllr Steph Toogood, the Mayor of Ventnor, told News OnTheWight,
“I would suggest that Belgrave Road has a higher footfall of pedestrians than any other road (other than Pier Street and the High Street), because so many people walk along there to Ventnor Park and the Botanic Garden. It’s also our main route for processions, carnivals etc.”
Toogood: Will become a rat run again
The Mayor went on to explain,
“Since the road has been closed, traffic has successfully used the A3055 (Alpine Road) to head towards St Lawrence which is the correct route to use, however, as soon as they open Belgrave Road, it will become the rat run again.”
Cllr Toogood pointed out the narrow and sloping pavements along Belgrave Road, as well as cars parked on the pavement hindering passage for those with pushchairs or people using wheelchairs.
Water filled barriers around the rock to be returned
One of the main areas of concern the Mayor has for when the road is reopened is up by the large rock on the junction with Church Street.
Ventnorians will know that water filled red and white barriers have sat underneath the overhang of the rock to prevent pedestrians walking underneath it for the last ten years.
Concerns have been raised about pedestrians or those with mobility issues coming from the west to east having to go into the road just before a blind corner.
Toogood: What are they thinking?
To avoid possible incidents, the VTC are asking for traffic calming measures and a 20mph limit to be introduced on the road, as well as a drop-kerb with rumble strip for pedestrians and wheelchair users to use.
They suggest the very narrow footway (pavement) on the seaward side is removed and the other one widened.
Cllr Toogood said,
“Considering we are a tourist town, this is our main route to our award-winning park, what are they thinking?
“Also there are a lot of seats along Belgrave Road, to encourage people to walk along there and enjoy the vista.”
Toogood: They could be pioneers and leaders in the field
The Mayor went on to say,
“The Government are promoting walking and cycling, not driving, therefore this would be excellent opportunity for IWC and Island Roads to show that they are pioneers and leaders in the field to make it pedestrian and bike friendly and cars can continue to go up Alpine Road.”
Even with MP involved, nothing has changed
Although the Mayor has managed to get Isle of Wight MP, Bob Seely involved, it does not seem to have made a difference.
Cllr Toogood added,
“They’re not listening which is why I had to go to Bob Seely and they are still not listening. It’s the second week since he got involved and we still have nothing.”
Toogood: It’s a missed opportunity to make improvements
News OnTheWight asked whether it was the case that IWC were either not responding, or saying that the work is not possible, Cllr Toogood replied,
“They’re not responding! We understand how tight budgets are, but it’ll cost more to do things at a later date.
“It’s a missed opportunity to make improvements.”
News OnTheWight have asked the IWC why they have not responded to the Ventnor Town Council on this issue and will update once we hear back.
