This just in from the council, in their own words. Ed
Work to repair parts of Seaclose Park that were damaged during wet weather at the Isle of Wight Festival is ahead of schedule and will soon be complete.
Due to heavy downpours during the June event that attracted over 60,000 visitors, parts of the ground became very muddy.
Since then, IW Council officers and local contractors as well as grounds maintenance firm John O’Conner have been working with Solo, the event organisers to restore the ground to its pre event condition. Works completed include planting new grass seeds and treating existing turf.
“Several months ahead of initial estimates”
The recent kind weather has also helped, with the park now on schedule to be fully restored by the end of October, several months ahead of initial estimates following the festival.
Several football pitches are currently in use which accommodates the planned fixtures, with the remaining two close to being ready for use.
Only the top surface was damaged
John Metcalfe, IW Council Deputy Director for Economy and Environment said drainage works undertaken several years ago prevented severe damage to the ground. He said “As a result of the drainage works, much of the water does not soak far down into the ground and instead drains away, protecting the soil.
“Thankfully, although following the event the ground looked in a bad way, it was only the top surface that was damaged and careful restoration work has allowed the ground to be repaired quickly and efficiently.
“The fact we’ve been able to ensure several football pitches are available by mid August and the park is almost fully repaired by the beginning of September is credit to the work carried out by everyone associated with it.”
Image: © IWC
