We always welcome 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 Tim Wright, one of the Undercliff Drive residents who was forced to evacuate his home in February 2014 due to a landslip. Ed
In the minutes of the Executive meeting on 7th July (PDF here) it was proposed that a detailed report should be available to the Executive discussing costs and timelines for the September meeting (regarding a longer term solution as opposed to a quick fix option).
The Executive were however advised that there was limited experience of such draining in a large area and caution should therefore be applied when looking at costs.
It was consequently proposed that three options be explored with costs detailed along with a timeline. These options would look at re-establishing pedestrian access only, establishing a new access road to properties along the base of the cliff as well as establishing a temporary low cost road from the west.
A further report with more details would then come back to the Executive in September 2014. Members agreed that residents affected by the landslip should be helped as much as possible by the council and any options approved needed to be correct.
Cllr Stubbings also stated the importance of giving residents timescales at the July meeting.
No mention of longer term option
At the September meeting of the Isle of Wight Executive (on 9th September), no such report was discussed for the benefit of those present in the public gallery. No options were discussed. No timescales were mentioned.
In spite of having advised our insurers that we would have answers to these questions, I must now go back to them and tell them that all we know is that funding has been allocated.
We don’t know which option is preferred, whether any proposed solution short term or otherwise will be simply investigated or actually implemented. And crucially we have no timescales to work towards.
Kick nothing to the kerb?
Cllr Stephens asserted at the outset that the Council are often criticised for taking a long time to reach decisions. That is correct.
Cllr Stephens also stated that the Council must take appropriate time to reach the right decisions and kick nothing to the kerb. I disagree.
- Who in the Council signed off the proposals to carry out works in winter?
- Who agreed the works should not treat the root cause of the problem i.e. groundwater and instability?
- Who failed to take action to mitigate failure in the face of a very clear warning in the risk assessment?
Council were warned
We warned all the councillors, in writing, in October 2013 that the scheme would be futile if it failed to address the issues of drainage.
Nevertheless, the Council opted to apply an expensive sticking plaster to the problem. In doing so, they kicked the issue of drainage firmly to the kerb and crossed their fingers.
This hardly demonstrated careful decision making skills. Some might even say it was reckless.
Passing the buck is unacceptable
One further point, the Council sub-contracted to Island Roads. In doing so, they did not absolve themselves of any responsibility. The Council must demonstrate adequate control over any works that they contract out.
Island Roads may be required to answer questions, but it is the Council who must facilitate the process. To simply pass the buck is unacceptable.
“We kick nothing to the kerb in the Council.”
Keep to promise
I would also like to add to the criticism in saying that any organisation that proposes to provide reports, answers and timescales by a certain date should keep to that promise.
If there is no proposed, affordable long-term solution, then save thousands of pounds of tax payers money and condemn the area as unsafe. Maybe then we can move on with our lives.
Living in limbo
We remain in limbo. Every month that passes increases both our insured losses, which will be deducted from any settlement claim if applicable, and our uninsured costs incurred, not to mention the effects on our health and well-being.
Whilst we welcome the allocation of funding to the Undercliff, it is still not apparent whether a footpath, cycleway or temporary fix road will allow us to return home or help businesses in the area.
Dangers remain unless underlying issues tackled
The dangers of living on a worksite in an now very active landslip area, which caused us to be evacuated in the first place, will not be mitigated or removed by any of the options on the table if the underlying issues of groundwater and drainage are not addressed.
The proposals are futile, not sustainable and not cost-effective.
Image: © Isle of Wight Council
