Businesses in Ventnor have taken matters into their own hands and paid for banners aimed at drawing attention to drivers at Whitely Bank, Sandford.
This roundabout marks the junction to one of the remaining roads into the town, which has seen a large drop in trade over previous years due to a variety of reasons, including Covid, ongoing roadworks, Wightfibre installation and various emergency utility works – not to mention the closure of the main road from Shanklin (A3055) following the Bonchurch Landslide.
A diverse offering
As highlighted by News OnTheWight on many occasions in the past, Ventnor’s retail area is made up many small independent shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, as well as galleries and cultural offerings.
The loss of trade over previous years has escalated since the closure of Leeson Road and the town’s small traders need support, not only from the 8,000 people who live in the area, but also residents from other parts of the Island.
There’s still a way in (and out)
Although it may feel as though access to the town is non-existent, it certainly isn’t.
There are routes in from Whitely Bank, and through Wroxall and Lowtherville (Upper Ventnor), as well as via Whitwell.
Southern Vectis’s Routes 3 and 6 are still servicing the town on regular timetables.
Call for free parking
Many Ventnor businesses are calling on the town council (who run four car parks) and Isle of Wight council (who run the remaining ones) to offer at least two hours free parking to those visiting the town.
During part of December the Isle of Wight council offered one hour free parking, to support businesses following the landslide, but this came to an end.
The subject of free parking was raised at the recent public meeting, where a council officer explained that one of the difficulties of that would be that many residents use the car parks (due to lack of in-street parking).
