Isle of Wight council say that efforts are ongoing to address retaining wall issues on Bath Road and Southgrove Road in Ventnor, with the council aiming to balance legal requirements, safety and public access.
Bath Road: Seeking temporary solutions
The council say that due to constraints under highways law, the retaining wall on Bath Road (closed since 30th October 2023) cannot be repaired until ownership is legally resolved.
The council recognises the disruption the road closure is causing and has apologised for the inconvenience faced by nearby residents and businesses.
To help reduce the impact, officers are exploring temporary options to reopen the road without affecting liability or compromising safety.
They have confirmed that permanent repair work will begin as soon as ownership is legally clarified.
Residents will receive updates as the council develops and assesses possible temporary solutions.
Southgrove Road: Progress underway with structural assessment
On Southgrove Road, the wall supports a private road, but investigations have revealed no clear owner.
In response, the council has commissioned a surveyor to assess the wall and design repairs that meet the necessary standards.
Once this work is completed, the road can reopen. The council has expressed its satisfaction at progress being made and thanked the community for its patience.
Leeson Road: Monitoring continues
Leeson Road remains open.
An update on the council’s monitoring and management programme for this route will be released soon.
