Several readers and residents of Undercliff Drive have been in touch with OnTheWight over the last couple of weeks asking if we have an update on the situation at Undercliff Drive.
Two areas of the road where geo-technical work – by John Peck Ltd on behalf of Island Roads – was taking place between Ventnor and Niton were subject to land movement over Christmas and major landslips in February.
“Kept in the dark”
Some residents say they’re still “kept in the dark” as to what is happening and when decisions will be made.
In the meantime, many of them are having to shell out thousands of pounds in rented accommodation, not knowing when – or if – they’ll be able to move back to their homes.
Detailed report on its way
OnTheWight got in touch with the council to see if we could solicit an update from them to share with those interested.
A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight council replied,
“Island Roads is preparing a report into the current situation and possible future options at the Undercliff and the council expects to receive it in mid-May.
“The residents affected have been advised that it will be a public document and what steps will follow. The information in the report from Island Roads will be considered by council officers and it is envisaged that a report will be made to the Executive although this could be several months from now.”
OnTheWight understands that the report is expected to be submitted to the council by 20th May. They then have up to 60 working days to seek “various further information”.
It’s not clear how long after receiving the reports the council will make them public, although they have at least committed to doing so.
“Glib” comment from Cllr Priest
Many Islanders saw Cllr Richard Priest on BBC South Today recently talking about Cowes Enterprise College.
Residents from Undercliff Drive got in touch, following the broadcast, expressing their shock at how “glibly” Cllr Priest was able to say that if works proposed at Cowes Enterprise were to be funded by the council, projects such as Undercliff Drive and Totland Seawall would not be able to go ahead.
OnTheWight got in touch with Cllr Priest sharing the concerns of the Undercliff Drive residents, he replied,
“Thanks for email and as you can appreciate I think I gave a 5-10 minute interview with BBC South Today, and the piece used would have been within a context of the financial pressure the Local authority is under.
“As you can appreciate, and this came out strongly in Monday evening’s public meeting, the recommendation to complete the Cowes Enterprise College project (a project that the new administration inherited) will impact on other projects, potentially, not being able to be progressed.
“I, and my colleagues, are very aware and sensitive to the feelings of the local community, which is why there was a public meeting in Cowes on Monday, and the situation we face is not one of our making, but we recognise that a decision needs to be made and that, in making that decision, we are very mindful of the implications of that decision.”
We’ll let you know once we have more information on the situation at Undercliff Drive.
