Following the recent road closure in Ventnor’s Pier Street due to the nearby partial collapse of a house, it was fantastic to see community spirit in full force from shopkeepers in the southern end of the street.
As the road was closed to traffic they wanted to make sure visitors knew the shops were still accessible by foot, so put up bunting, placed flower pots and chairs out on the closed section of road and generally made it feel welcoming and lively.
That was until a grumpy spoilsport decided to spoil the fun and report them to Island Roads.
Duty-bound to investigate
Once reported, Island Roads were duty-bound to investigate.
The result is that despite the road being closed to vehicles, these community-minded women trying to make the best of a bad situation by brightening up their little patch in Ventnor were told they not permitted to have their chairs, plant pots and bunting out.
Island Roads: Welcome a license application
A spokesperson for Island Roads said,
“Island Roads can confirm that following a complaint from a member of the public, a district steward was sent to look at the site. The items had however been removed by the time the steward arrived.
“While Island Roads have no wish to hinder community efforts, it is important that network safety is maintained and that anyone looking to put out items on the highway does seek the required permissions from the IW Council. This will also ensure that all safety and access issues – such as the need to maintain quick access for emergency vehicles – can be assessed.
“While the road remains closed, the council is happy to work with and support local residents and businesses to minimise impact on their businesses and would therefore, welcome applications for licenses to this end.”
Not the first to complain
This situation reminds us of the complaint made in 2014 about the chimes of the hourly church bell at Holy Trinity church, Ventnor.
The single complaint made after the chimes returned to service, following a short break whilst repairs were being made, resulted in the church having to raise around £2,000 to switch off the sound from the chimes during the night hours.
Although it was found that sound levels were above the World Health Organisation (WHO) limit, this was the first complaint made in the 154 lifespan of the chimes.
Article edit
14.50 on 3rd August – three days after asking for a comment, Island Roads replied.
