Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Bob Seely, is the latest to join the campaign to save the Military Road, by announcing his three- point plan.
As has been widely reported, concerns have been raised about the future of the road, after a large void appeared in the verge by the side of the road on the F35 footpath.
Options being explored
Earlier this week the Isle of Wight council’s director of community services, Colin Rowland, said the Isle of Wight’s iconic Military Road could be “washed into the sea” in just two years and the council leader, Phil Jordan, confirmed that the council was exploring several options for the road.
Seely’s three-point plan
The Isle of Wight MP has today (Friday) announced his three-point plan for the road.
It reads:
- Councillors need to make an active decision to save the Military Road, overturning a 2010 decision. Overturning this previous decision will enable councillors to take action.
- Develop a unified and holistic approach to the issue, dealing with the two most immediate danger areas first. These are known as Site 14 and Site 15, at Compton Farm and Brook Chine, respectively.
- Seek funding from numerous sources, including funding which is already in place for road maintenance, low-interest government borrowing, or government grants. Conversations are ongoing with officials at the Department for Transport and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Areas of concern
Although the section along Afton Down has been getting a lot of media attention, Councillor Jordan he has been able to reassure residents,
“The road along Afton Down is currently considered to be relatively stable.
“Work was carried out in the late 1990s which included ground anchors and 27 metre piling into the chalk underneath the road to protect it from the eroding cliff face.”
He said the council are more concerned about the section between Brook and Compton Farm.
Seely: We must work with IWC and Gov to find long-term plan
Mr Seely said,
“The Military Road is one of the Island’s most iconic roads and a landmark of the Island’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
“The road is also an important economic asset to the Island. We must work with the Council and the Government to find a long-term plan to preserve it.”
Public meeting in Brook
A public meeting has been organised by the councillor for Brighstone, Calbourne and Shalfleet, Nick Stuart.
It will take place at 4pm, at Seely Hall, in Brook, on Sunday, 11th February 2024.
