As OnTheWight reported yesterday, a new road was last weekend built on Undercliff Drive by volunteers after they were fed up with a lack of practical action by Island Roads and the Isle of Wight council, following the landslip in February 2014.
The actions have been universally applauded by Islanders.
Threat to close road
Island Roads have responded to the news this morning by declaring the road unstable and threatening to close it.
Some (not all) residents in the previously landlocked area of Undercliff Drive received letters this morning from Kieron Blamey, the Geotechnical Project Manager for Island Roads.
Permanent barriers to restrict vehicles
The letter says the road was not built by Island Roads, nor did they give any authorisation for the road to be built, so they’ll be installing new permanent barriers to restrict vehicular access to the new road.
Threats of getting the police involved
Mr Blamey says Island Roads are reviewing the CCTV and have notified the police of ‘trespass’.
OnTheWight has heard whispers from inside County Hall of legal action being considered.
Views of householders not sought
OnTheWight believe the action from Island Roads is dressed up as being for the safety and security of those living there, who have been left high and dry for the last eight months.
If safety and security is the concern of Island Roads, it would seem reasonable to first contact the householders to get their views. To those OnTheWight has spoken to, there has been no contact from Island Roads to find out if their action is wanted or desired.
Elderly left without heating
The actions of Island Roads restricting the new vehicular access will directly deny elderly residents in the area being able to receive heating oil and wood supplies to get them through the winter.
The question that is unanswered – What will Island Roads, or the Isle of Wight council, do to get the heating oil and other winter fuels to these residents if they block vehicular access?
Are they going to leave them high, dry and now cold as well?
Residents have until 2pm to remove vehicles
Here’s the letter some residents received this morning. It says the residents have until 2pm to day to remove their vehicles from inside the landlocked area before Island Roads restrict vehicular access.
