The Isle of Wight Council’s response to a petition demanding rocks on Ventnor’s roads are “removed in seven days” has angered many Ventnorians.
The council stated that they “sympathise with the residents and businesses of Ventnor and the inconvenience caused by the rockfall”, and that they are “working closely with Island Roads to remove debris and reopen the road as soon as possible”.
Hearing these words almost six months since the rockfall (which took place on 7th March 2025) has provoked frustration among many Ventnorians.
Blake: Lack of communication
Ed Blake, the Isle of Wight councillor for Ventnor and St Lawrence, told OnTheWight,
“The comment from an Isle of Wight Council spokesperson is devoid of three things that I think are a bare minimum for inclusion.
“Firstly, where has been the necessary communication from the Council? All we have had is a couple of comments issued stating that they are working to remove debris and get the road open as soon as possible. No timelines have been issued; no explanation of processes; no reaching out to affected residents.
“Secondly, there is no admission that the ridiculous amount of time this has taken is in any way down to the Council’s slow internal workings, or indeed that an Officer sat on the request to instruct Island Roads for six weeks.”
Blake: It’s affecting local people’s ability to access their town
He went on to say,
“Lastly, where is an apology for the impacts this is having on residents and businesses? It is six months since the rock fell now.
“This is having a disastrous effect on the area and is affecting local people’s ability to access their town.
“I have often asked Officers – If this had happened in Newport High Street, it would have been cleared up with urgency, so why is there a different policy for Ventnor?”
Jim Milburn’s petition can be accessed via the 38Degress website: Get your rocks off Ventnor roads now | 38 Degrees
Residents are planning to gather at 2pm on 6th September by The Rex to protest against the ongoing issue of blocked roads in the town.
