Following a request from the Ventnor Town Council for a progress report on the situation with Undercliff Drive, a letter from Malcolm Smith from Highways at Isle of Wight Council was read out at the Ventnor Town Council meeting on Monday night.
It was anticipated by members of the Town Council that a consultant would have been appointed by now, but according to the Council, there has been a delay in this appointment as they ensure proper procurement is adhered to.
The time line now looks more likely to be tender documents being issued early February with a contract commencing from Mid-May.
There will be around 3-4 months for the consultant to prepare his/her report which, if all goes according to plan, should be available by Mid September.
Mr Smith also confirmed that the road would continue to be maintained during this period, ensuring it would remain open to drivers (with heavy goods vehicles and buses still diverted through Whitwell and Niton)
Town Council Involvement
Cllr Lucas reiterated that the Ventnor Town Council needed to be involved at an early stage in the consultation process and requested that Town Clerk, John Farrant, reply to Malcolm Smith with this request.
