We’re all too well aware of the problems that a series of landslides have had on the Ventnor/Niton Undercliff Drive over the years.
A multi million pound stabilisation scheme was called to a halt over two years ago, but as mother nature stops for no man, the problem of further landslides is a worrying reality still being faced by those who live and use the road between Ventnor to Niton.
The Isle of Wight Council tell us that a new public exhibition on the options being considered for the future of traffic routes between Ventnor and Niton will open in February.
When, where and what?
Taking place at the Botanic Gardens, Ventnor between Tuesday 9th February and Friday 26th February the exhibition displays can be viewed between 10:00am and 4pm on any day.
On the first day of the exhibition, officers from the council and Halcrow (engineering consultants) will be on hand between 10.00am and 4pm.
The exhibition will provide information on all the options being considered and will explain which are preferred and achievable.
Visitors to the exhibition will be encouraged to give feedback to the officers on the first day or leave their feedback on forms available at the exhibition.
Halcrow, in partnership with the council, will identify which of the proposals can be used to form the basis of a bid to central Government for the funding required to implement them.
The council tell us
The study has considered a range of options for improving the existing inland route between Ventnor and Niton including the possibility of providing new roads to bypass both Niton and Whitwell. Consideration has also been given to junction improvements within the built up areas and the exhibition will contain details of these proposals. Other options consider what can be done to extend the life of the existing route along Undercliff Drive.
Cllr Edward Giles, IW Cabinet member for environment and transport, said he hoped local residents would attend the exhibition.
“Undercliff Drive, in common with other roads, has been the victim of the Island’s geology over a long period of time. We need to take a fundamental look at the future of this transport route. We have to balance the needs of all those who use this stretch against the possibilities of future substantial movement and the amount of money that may be made available by the government to implement any solution.
“We need to take a comprehensive look at all the options ruling no solution in or our out until we have all the necessary information on which to make a sound decision. Consultation with residents and relevant bodies is an important part of this process.”
If you can’t make it along to the exhibition in Ventnor, you can download it from the from Monday 8th February.
All comments need to be returned by Friday 26th February.
