Councillor Julie Jones-Evans shares this latest news. Ed
Residents and businesses across the Isle of Wight are increasingly feeling the impact of ongoing road closures and repair works, with disruption, hardship and mounting pressure on daily life.
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Chair of the Economy, Regeneration, Transport and Infrastructure Committee, has called for a substantive agenda item at the Committee’s next scheduled meeting in July, as it enters the new municipal year, to address the issue in full.
Jones-Evans: Patience is being tested
The councillor for Newport Central said,
“I am hearing first-hand from residents and businesses across the Island about the real impact these works are having on their daily lives – and that impact is significant.
“People are facing longer journeys, difficulty accessing services, and in some cases a direct impact on their livelihoods, health and education. Businesses are also reporting reduced footfall and uncertainty.
“The Isle of Wight community is, by nature, patient and understanding – but that patience is now being tested most sorely.
“This is not a new issue, and the Committee has not been passive. We undertook a detailed review last year, including a deep dive into the situation at Horsebridge Hill, which highlighted many of the challenges we are still seeing today.
“What is clear now is that the scale and frequency of works is creating a level of impact that requires renewed focus. That is why I am calling for a full and substantive report to come before the Committee in July.
“At the same time, it is important to recognise that, in the latest highways scorecard from the Department for Transport, the Isle of Wight is rated ‘green’ for road condition, reflecting sustained investment in our network.
“We recognise the importance of our visitor economy, and the long-standing approach that Island Roads will not undertake planned works during July and August to support the peak season.
“However, outside of that period, the cumulative impact is significant, and we need to do more to manage how this is experienced on the ground.
“We now have an opportunity, with a reset in our relationship with Island Roads and new leadership within the council’s community services directorate, to improve how works are planned, communicated and managed.
“I understand the legal framework that utility companies operate within, including the increased use of emergency powers. From the public’s perspective, however, what matters is the disruption – and that must be better managed.
“As Chair, it is my responsibility to ensure we keep responding to changing circumstances and that the Committee continues to hold the system to account.
“I recognise that some will feel this cannot wait. An extraordinary meeting remains an option if absolutely necessary.
“In the meantime, I have already raised these concerns with the most senior officers at the council and the Leader, and discussions are actively underway with partners to improve how this is managed.”
“The July meeting will provide an opportunity for the Committee to hear directly what progress has been made, what improvements are being put in place, and what residents and businesses will see change on the ground.”
July meeting to set out what will change
Councillor Jones-Evans added,
“We must get the balance right – continuing to invest in our infrastructure while doing far more to minimise disruption and support our communities day to day.”
