A key question to be raised at this evening’s Cabinet meeting is why businesses and the public have not been consulted on the future of the Military Road.
VB spoke to jewellery designer at Isle of Wight Pearl, Sue Dorman, whose business is located very near the breach in the road. She confirmed that she had not been consulted or made aware of the options, which could affect her:
“I am unable to make full comment until after tonight’s meeting, because we would like to be aware of exactly what decision they are proposing to take and what it involves,” she said.
Worries for tourism
“What I can say is that we are very much against closing the road and I am speaking not just for the company, but as an Islander. While we think it probably wouldn’t affect our business too much individually, it does affect the whole tourism business because one of the attractions of the Island is, obviously, going around the coast.”
Lack of consultation
“None of us have been consulted about it at all. Another thing the council has done recently is to take down some of our tourist signs – the brown signs that lead people towards our tourist spots. They didn’t inform us about that, either.”
Jill Wareham’s campaign
Based on widespread concern over the road’s future, prospective Lib Dem MP Jill Wareham hopes to persuade the cabinet to postpone their decision on the basis that a public consultation is necessary.
VB interviewed Jill today about the reasons behind her campaign, which has gathered more than 2000 members on Facebook.
Have a listen:
[audio:http://otw-audio.s3.amazonaws.com/jill-wareham-military-road-alex-varley-winter.mp3]
Image: SimonDeanMedia under CC BY-SA 2.0
