If you were planning to sample the new novelty ride in Bonchurch (aka the bench that had been installed – by Island Roads, as it turned out – on a steep slope), you’re out of luck.
Despite the bench being in place for several weeks, in less than 24 hours of OnTheWight running an article highlighting the blooper, Island Roads removed the bench.
In place for four weeks
It’s amazing that in the past, we’ve waited weeks for answers from Island Roads to questions over various issues, but it seems that if it appears in an article on the subject, action from Island Roads follows pretty swiftly (you might remember a previous example being the case of the disappearing catseyes that returned to our roads following the OnTheWight expose).
The bench had been installed in the week starting 27th November, but no-one at Island Roads had noticed the error.
Perhaps it’s a case of them not employing enough staff to check that work carried out is to a satisfactory standard.
Island Roads: “Installed in the wrong location”
An Island Roads spokesperson told OnTheWight,
“We recently installed a new bench as part of our programme of work to replace benches and other street furniture across the Island.
“However, on inspection today, it would appear that regrettably on this occasion this has been installed in the wrong location.
“The bench has therefore been removed and will be installed in its correct location, in the adjacent car park area, early in the New Year.”
Suggestion of alternative location
We popped down yesterday to see where the bench “Installed in the wrong location” might find its new home and are finding it difficult to understand why another bench is needed in the car park area – there are several benches next to the car park already.
One place missing a bench now is the sunken viewpoint area at the eastern end of Belgrave Road in Ventnor – from where Island Roads removed a bench in all its entirety last year after being notified of one broken slat.
Other bloopers?
We had a good laugh filming the bench (see video) in Bonchurch and the article resulted in Islanders pointing out (here and on Facebook) where other benches around the Island had been installed in a similar fashion.
Wonder whether Island Roads will be checking those out too?
