Isle of Wight council have confirmed they are reviewing the water-filled barriers that have been in position under ‘The Rock’ on the corner of Belgrave Road, Ventnor for the last decade.
News OnTheWight reported on the wish of the town’s Mayor for the “unsightly barriers” to be replaced earlier this month and a spokesperson from Isle of Wight council (IWC) has confirmed to News OnTheWight today (Thursday) that the situation is being reviewed to establish whether a more permanent solution could be delivered.
Calls for improved safety
At the beginning of the month, Cllr Steph Toogood told News OnTheWight that calls to the IWC for improved safety for pedestrians were “falling on deaf ears“.
She said that despite several attempts to raise concerns about pedestrian safety, the IWC had not responded, so News OnTheWight got in touch with the IWC to ask why VTC had not received a response.
IWC: There was no clear consensus on changing the road layout
Two weeks later they finally sent through this response to us.
An Isle of Wight council spokesperson said,
“The safety of pedestrians and users of Belgrave Road has been a priority throughout the project. Indeed, the council consulted with Ventnor Town Council and local residents on several options for remodelling the existing road layout to enhance pedestrian safety in this area.
“However, following the consultation, there was no clear consensus on changing the road layout and in some instances there was direct opposition to the proposals; concerns were also raised regarding health and safety and vehicular access in relation to some of the alternative proposals.
“It was therefore decided to reinstate the road as it was prior to the wall collapsing and this was communicated to the town council.”
IWC: Reviewing the temporary barrier system
They went on to add,
“In considering the feedback we are currently reviewing the issue of the temporary barrier system within the vicinity of ‘The Rock’ to established if a more permanent solution to this issue could be delivered.
“As with the Island’s highway network, the issue of pedestrian access and safety will continue to be encouraged wherever possible.”
