Following the tragic events of significant landslip taking place along Undercliff Drive, eleven days ago, OnTheWight reader and Lay Assessor for Island Roads, Mike Starke, questioned whether Island Roads (IR) had accepted the offer of world-class expertise from Professor Bruce Denness, an Island resident who gained his doctorate on the subject of Undercliff Drive.
Three simple questions
We were also keen to know whether the Highways PFI contractor Island Roads, had accepted Prof Denness’ invitation, so duly wrote that same day to IR asking:
We understand that Dr Bruce Denness has offered his expertise to Island Roads in relation to the Undercliff.
Could you let us know:
1. When he got in touch?
2. How many times IR have met with him?
3. How is work proceeding with him?
Strangely, despite two emails chasing up a response, eleven days later and Island Roads are still shy to answer the questions.
Residents deserve keen for assurance
Let’s hope that Island Roads can find the time very soon to answer the three simple questions, so that Islanders and the unfortunate residents who had to evacuate their homes can be assured the contractors are taking advantage of all possible expertise in the area.
Update
Island Roads deny approach
Twelve days after first asking, and one day after publishing this article, Island Roads told OnTheWight.
“Island Roads have had no formal approach from Professor Denness but we understand he has met with the Highways PFI contract team at the council.”
