Access to one of the Isle of Wight’s most historic attractions, Shanklin Chine, say their summer trade has been hindered due an unannounced road closure.
The closure was enforced during the evening of Wednesday 2nd August by Island Roads, meaning the attraction, via Shanklin Old Village, currently has no direct access.
Alternative route
Visitors will have to use either the ‘bottom’ entrance, which is accessible right at the end of Shanklin Esplanade or make their way through Rylstone Gardens to get back on to Chine Hollow.
Shanklin Chine say this is not signposted, meaning holidaymakers will struggle to find the Chine, resulting in lost revenue for them.
Ongoing discussions to rectify situation
Shanklin Chine has since had various meetings with Island Roads to try and rectify this situation during the busy summer holiday period.
Operations Manager of Shanklin Chine, Jo Porter has said,
“We had a meeting with Island Roads the day after we saw the road closure, Thursday 3rd August. During the meeting we agreed to arrange and pay for vegetation on Oakley’s side (King Harry’s Bar) to be removed and cleared in Chine Hollow to allow access and re-open the road.
“This work was undertaken on Friday 4th August and completed by 4pm. Island Roads refused to re-open Chine Hollow due to communication from the Isle of Wight council. It was said the fascine was dangerous to the public due to the height of the wall.”
Call for barriers along the wall line
Jo continued,
“On Tuesday 8th August we had confirmation from the Isle of Wight council regarding the enforcement. A Green King (The Crab) surveyor contacted the Isle of Wight council and confirmed the wall is a dangerous structure therefore the road was closed.
“We completely appreciate that the wall may be dangerous and of course safety must come first. All we are asking for is that barriers be erected along the wall line to allow access to The Chine from the Old Village entrance.”
During one of the meetings, Island Roads stated “Shanklin Chine has alternative routes, so they are not directly affected by this closure”.
Potential impact on historic attraction
Shanklin Chine say they could face closure due to loss of revenue, complaints, and the disruption caused to visitors trying to visit.
They believe this could have been managed better, by posting alternative routes, pre-warning visitors, etc, but say “there has been a distinct lack of communication between all parties and respect to neighbourhood businesses”.
Alternative routes provided
Alternative route from Old Village: Along Church Road, Priory Road, Popham Road to Rylstone Gardens or Along Chine Ave, Down Chine Hill and enter Shanklin Chine via Esplanade entrance.
The situation continues to be monitored by Shanklin Chine and local authorities, with the focus on both ensuring safety and maintaining access.
IR: A real risk of further movement
A spokesperson for Island Roads told News OnTheWight,
“Following the significant collapse of a section of a retaining wall and also the real risk of further movement on another section which is currently being supported, we have closed the footpath in the interests of public safety.
“The supported wall is in private ownership and we are aware that the owner is in discussions with the IW Council with a view to making the repairs as soon as possible. However as this historic wall is a listed structure, planning processes need to be followed before the landowner can undertake the work.
“As soon as the site is made safe or we can confirm the support is sufficient, then we will, of course, be able to re-open this footpath.”
Article edit
5.30pm 10th Aug 2023 – Update from Island Roads added
