At last night’s Isle of Wight council Executive meeting, members voted in favour of allocating up to £200,000 to address the landslip problems in Totland.
A landslip occurred in December 2012, resulting in the closure of the path along the Totland Seawall. Residents and local businesses have campaigned for the council to address the problem, arguing that the closure has affected the local economy, as well as the well-being of residents, particularly those only able to access the coastal path by wheelchair.
An assessment of the landslip was carried out by external consultants, which resulted in a report with a range of solutions being presented to the Isle of Wight council. The Executive agreed at the July meeting to go ahead with a ‘Mend and Make Do’ option at a cost of up to £200,000, which would see the coastal path reinstated.
Following the meeting, Helen Wood, one of those who campaigned for the problem to be addressed told OnTheWight,
“This has been a long time coming and it’s a huge relief to know that the repairs will go ahead. This means a great deal to the people of the West Wight and the visitors who love coming here. Furthermore, it reinstates one of the few flat walks for disabled users in the West of the Island.
“The focus now is on the need to see these repairs done as quickly as possible. At the moment conditions on the sea wall landslip area are perfect. After a long dry summer the ground is in optimum condition and there is a vital need to get cracking on the project before the winter sets in.
“Thanks are due to the council for recognising the huge weight of public opinion on this topic and its importance to the West Wight.”
The vote
Cllrs Jon Gilbey and Richard Priest left the chamber during the deliberation due to a personal interest in another expenditure (Rush Close) included on the agenda item.
All other councillors present voted in favour of the budget allocation.
Full details in the Paper below
Image: © Isle of Wight Council
