News shared by the Environment Agency, in their own words. Ed
The Environment Agency’s ground investigations are continuing to make good progress as part of the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme, and you may have seen our teams working along the seafront in recent weeks.
These investigations are helping the project to build a better understanding of the ground conditions in the area and will provide important information to support the development of the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme. Thank you to everyone for your patience and interest while this work is underway.
You may notice some small, fenced-off working areas along the seafront where borehole rigs are operating. When passing these locations, please take a little extra care and keep dogs close by, or on a lead where appropriate, to help keep both visitors and our site teams safe.
Temporary promenade closure Bonchurch
As part of the ongoing ground investigations, desilting works (clearing out the drainage system and pipes beneath the promenade) will be taking place on the promenade between Bonchurch and Wheelers Bay.
To allow this work to be carried out safely, the promenade will be closed from Monday 5th October until Friday 16th October 2026, weekdays between 8am and 6pm.
It will remain open in the evenings, overnight and throughout weekends.
A visit to the Bonchurch Coast Group
This week the Environment Agency was invited to attend a community meeting organised by the Bonchurch Coast Group. Colleagues from the Environment Agency and Isle of Wight Council attended the event, where more than 50 residents came along to hear about the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme and the latest update on the plans for Bonchurch East.
The evening provided an opportunity to share progress on the scheme, explain the ground investigations currently taking place, and answer questions from local residents. We’d like to thank the Bonchurch Coast Group for the invitation and everyone who attended for their questions and feedback.
There will be more opportunities for residents to hear more about the scheme, including Steephill Cove and Ventnor town and promenade – watch this space!
Temporary railings
Residents have been asking us about the newly installed railings at Bonchurch promenade.
We can confirm that these railings have been installed temporarily for health and safety reasons while investigation works are taking place.
They will be removed, and the area reinstated, once all
investigations have been completed.
Come and speak to us!
If you would like to find out more about the project, ask
a question, or speak to a member of the team, please visit our public information office on the promenade next to the skate park.
Open every Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to 2pm. We look forward to seeing you there.
