At around 11pm on Friday night (7th March 2025), residents in the Belgrave Road area in Ventnor heard a loud crash, which they reported ‘sounded like thunder’.
However, it wasn’t thunder, it was the overhang rock on the corner of Belgrave Road, finally letting go, and collapsing into a heap on the road and beyond.
Road blocked
Large boulders crashed through the railings and made their way down onto Esplanade Road. People commenting said the boulders looked more like mud than heavy rock.
The authorities were informed immediately and police set up a cordon around the affected area. It’s been reported that no-one is thought to have been injured.
Our thanks to Jack Whitwood for sharing these photos taken at midnight on Friday night.
Click on images to see larger versions
Water-filled barriers
More than a decade ago, water-filled barriers were placed underneath the overhang rock, aimed at discouraging pedestrians from walking underneath it.
In December 2022, OnTheWight reported on the wish of the town’s then-Mayor Steph Toogood for the “unsightly barriers” to be replaced.
At the time a spokesperson from Isle of Wight council confirmed that the situation was being reviewed to establish whether a more permanent solution could be delivered.
Previous road closure
The road was closed in January 2020 following the partial collapse of the retaining wall and road. It remained closed for almost three years, reopening to vehicles and pedestrians in December 2022.
How long to clear?
Given the other road closure woes affecting Ventnor in the last couple of years (Leeson Road, Southgrove Road, Bath Road etc), many residents have voiced their opinions on social media, suggesting it could take years for the Isle of Wight council and Island Roads to take action.
For the sake of the residents and businesses on Belgrave Road that it happens faster than that.
Article edit
10am 18th Mar 2025 – Reference to road closed for two years updated to almost three years
