News OnTheWight always welcomes a Letter to the Editor to share with our readers – unsurprisingly they don’t always reflect the views of this publication. If you have something you’d like to share, get in touch and of course, your considered comments are welcome below.
This from Dr Brian Hinton MBE, Totland. Ed
Proposed closure of the Broadway Totland by Island Roads, both lanes, to completely dig up and resurface the road – This was due to start on Monday, now delayed “until further notice”, but Southern Vectis drivers now reckon some time in mid-March, for at least two weeks.
No bus service past Colwell common.
No major road to access either Totland or Alum Bay.
Why cannot they do one lane, then the other, and put up traffic lights?
Limited accessibility
Otherwise Totland will be only accessible past St Saviours or past the High Down Inn and then almost up to Alum Bay and then back via a difficult right turn.
Both routes have viability issues and places where only one vehicle can pass at the time.
Alum Bay will only have one access and egress. The current system of coaches coming up from Freshwater Bay, and then back through Totland will be put on hold. Ditto the open top Tourist buses.
Add in school buses, lorries, trucks, delivery vans and cars, let alone ambulances, police cars, refuse trucks and fire engines, and a truly terrifying scenario unfolds.
And how about people who do not have cars or bikes, and rely on public transport?
Call for shuttle bus
Can a shuttle FYT bus be arranged to ferry people, get them to shops or medical appointments We have lots of old folks homes in the area, plus trade to pubs and cafes?
And as the works currently underway have gone over the expected time, how long will a complete digging up of the vital traffic artery from the roundabout down to Granville Road actually take?
The only other route in or out of Totland is in the private road system behind the undertakers, and that is even harder to negotiate.
I can foresee emergencies and even deaths, let alone financial problems for our shops, Post Office and hospitality venues.
Alternative plans needed
Proper plans have to be put in place!
I and many other concerned locals call on Councillor Chris Jarman, Totland Parish Council and Island Roads to address these issues before work commences.
Otherwise this is going to put peoples’ lives at risk, let alone the viability of local businesses and the tourist trade.
