Niton and Whitwell Parish Councillors have been left frustrated that road signage, they feel is vital for the future of the village’s businesses, still remains untouched two months after they understood it’d been agreed with Island Roads that it would change.
The concern of the Niton and Whitwell councillors is shared with many Nitonians – businesses in the village are suffering a significant downturn due to the closure of the through road to Ventnor via Undercliff Drive.
Emergency meeting two months ago
In an effort to address this, Niton and Whitwell Parish Council called an emergency meeting two months ago (22nd June). Two Island Roads’ employees (ex-Isle of Wight council), as well as local business owners and Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Andrew Turner attended.
At the meeting, an example of a business suffering was given for one well-known local business, where it’s understood business was down 40% in May 2014. This wasn’t down to a lack of bookings, but patrons not being able to find the venue after booking, leading to lost business.
Councillors explained to those present they felt the road signage in and around the village, including the on-road paint markings for the one-way system, was a major source of the confusion for visitors.
Walk around village with Island Roads
Those at the meeting tell OnTheWight the Island Roads’ representatives appeared to agree with the councillors, so they all proceeded to walk around the village pointing out where the current road signs were confusing and where additional signage could be reviewed.
During the trip it was pointed out which signs were invisible to motorists and which irrelevant. The Island Roads’ employees agreed that some would be removed.
Wrong way up one-way road
Niton has a one way road system, as some of the streets are narrow. The paint to show when cars shouldn’t enter has become faded, leading to visitors to the village driving toward traffic.
This was also discussed and the renewal of road markings was also agreed.
No action in two months
Since that meeting of two months ago, despite those at the meeting understanding that the Island Roads’ representatives appeared to understand the urgency and agree with it, no signs or road paint has appeared.
One Niton councillor told OnTheWight, “I was certainly under the impression that it had all been agreed, so where are the signs?”
We asked Island Roads for their side of this on last Friday morning, but as yet, they have failed to provide one.
Update 17:53 – Please note, these signs are different to the three spiffy new blue signs that that Niton & Whitwell parish council have paid for themselves that you might have seen in the village.
