Since the Eastern Esplanade in Ventnor was closed in November 2022 following the collapse of the seawall, walkers heading between Ventnor and Bonchurch on the coastal walk have had to divert inland.
If you don’t know the area intimately it can be hard to know exactly which roads you need to take to get back on route before you were interrupted by the closure.
Where’s the promised signage?
Which is why the promise from the Isle of Wight council of not only signage, but also signage that told a story and engaged those walking the coastal route, was welcomed at the public meeting hosted by the Ventnor Town Council.
Several months later and there are still no signs, but not only that, if you want to walk on the diverted route, you’ll need to take something along with you to clear a path.
Hack your way through
These photos were taken last week (there has been even more growth since then), showing huge overgrowth spilling onto the steps leading down to Wheeler’s Bay.
It includes large stinging nettles and is just as overgrown on the steps heading out to King’s Bay Road.
How has this been able to happen?
Those using the steps on a daily basis have asked News OnTheWight how it’s possible this ‘supposed official diversion’ has been allowed to become virtually impassable.
The issue has been reported to the council via FixMyStreet, and it states the overgrowth will tackled by 17th May, but it begs the question,
How has it been allowed to become this overgrown when it’s supposed to be an official diversion and what’s happened to the promised signage?
Questions to IWC
News OnTheWight has asked the council when Ventnor businesses who rely on the passing trade of coastal walkers – such as Seapot in Wheeler’s Bay – can expect to see the signs in place.
