Councillor Matthew Price, the Isle of Wight councillor for Fairlee and Whippingham, shares his opinion on the news about the two-week Fairlee Road closure, due to begin on Monday 20th April. Ed
Fairlee Road is by far the busiest Road on the Island, 24 Hours a day, so any roadworks on this route will not only cause disruption, but will also affect the residents of Fairlee and all the people that use the area going about their daily business.
Late notice and response
I was informed at the same time as the public announcement about the drainage works on Fairlee Road.
I have since then worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure this all runs as smoothly as possible.
Wider disruption across the Island
Endless roadworks around the Island over the last few months including Horsebridge Hill for nearly five months and Eleanors Grove and Quarr Hill has led to traffic chaos across the road network and I share everyones frustrations and concerns.
Access arrangements for residents and services
Residential properties will be accessible at ALL times, although the properties immediately adjacent to the works may require assistance from the contractors.
These works on Fairlee Road should only last up to 11 days.
The road will be closed and will not be a through road for the duration of the works, 11 days.
ALL residential Properties, Businesses, Schools, Seaclose Park, the Arboretum, Island Harbour, the Crematorium, Care Homes, Mountbatten Hospice, the Council Offices, Premier Inn, Beefeater, Skates, the Cockle and Island Harbour and ALL other premises and services WILL be accessible throughout the roadworks.
Pedestrian and cycle access maintained
The Cycle Path on the old Railway line and Fairlee Road, N208 will be open as normal so Pedestrian and Cycle access will be accessible throughout.
Although cyclists may need to dismount momentarily at the point of the roadworks everything else will remain as usual.
Apology to affected residents
I sincerely apologise to the residents that live in the area and in particular next to the roadworks and thank them for their patience while these works are being done.
Possible additional works in the area
Island Roads, Southern Water and Crown Park will possibly also be carrying out works while these works are in place.
These will include the long awaited works on the Racecourse approach to the Whippingham Roundabout
