The President of walking charity, The Ramblers, made a visit to the Isle of Wight last weekend and was given a guided tour of the Totland landslide.
Kate Ashbrook said the situation at Totland – which has seen the coastal path closed since a landslide in December 2012 – requires urgent attention.
Decision deferred
At last month’s Executive meeting, members voted for a second time to defer a decision on what to do next, whilst more precise costs for the proposed ‘make and mend do’ option were gathered.
It appears the figures were not prepared in time for the August meeting, but the item will be discussed on 9th September.
When asked why the decision had been deferred again, the council replied,
“As there are many calls on capital funding across the council at present, Executive members requested details of these projects so that they could be considered alongside the Totland sea wall repairs.
“Executive members agreed with officers to consider the report in September when more detailed information about the competing calls on the council’s capital programme would be available. The Forward Plan was amended to reflect this decision.”
Failure to reopen path would be “severe blow”
Kate finishes her report on the visit by saying,
“The council has a chance to put things right. Let’s hope it seizes the opportunity on 9 September and agrees to invest in reinstatement of a path.
“Failure to do so would be a severe blow to the Island’s economy and to the enjoyment of its residents and visitors.”
‘Make and mend do option’ a “sensible approach”
Speaking on the ‘make and mend do option’, David Howarth, chairman of the Isle of Wight Ramblers, told OnTheWight,
“I think it is a sensible approach in the short to medium term. The Council do have limited funds but need to take action now. The repairs should be done whilst the weather is fine. No contractor will want to work there in poor weather.
“I am concerned about the safety of the closed path. I regularly see children playing on the dangerous landslip.
“In fact the Coastguard were called to an incident there yesterday afternoon.”
A ‘no-brainer’
As previously reported, locals have campaigned hard for the council to take action. A petition was organised by Helen Wood, which gathered over 4,000 signatures and forced a discussion in the council chambers,
Helen told OnTheWight,
“We are very disappointed at yet further delay. People coming to walk the Island’s footoaths, whether locals or tourists, expect well maintained accessible footpaths.
“Time and time again I hear annoyance and frustration over the Totland Sea Wall situation. Despite this, I’m convinced that good sense will prevail and our elected councillors will support the call from over 4,000 petitioners.
“The proposed ‘make do and mend’ scheme is a no-brainer with many benefits and no disadvantages, it’s cheap, effective, quick and what the people want”
You can read Kate’s report of her visit in full by visiting her blog.
Image: © Isle of Wight Council
