Ventnorians are being urged to add their support to a campaign aimed at attracting government funding for infrastructure improvements, following the major landslide in Bonchurch, a wall collapse in Bath Road, rockfall dangers in Gills Cliff Road and the ongoing geological movement of the graben structure on Newport Road.
Leeson Road
Following the Bonchurch landslide on 10th December 2023, several homes were evacuated and the main road (Leeson Road) linking Ventnor to Shanklin closed indefinitely.
The catastrophic event is considered to be one of the largest landslides recorded on the South Coast of England.
Although the council and Island Roads say their desire is to see the road open again, no decisions will be taken until at least the end of the summer, whilst monitoring of the movement continues.
Newport Road – the graben
The geological graben structure on Newport Road, which links the town to Lowtherville (Upper Ventnor), cannot be permanently repaired, simply monitored and patched up as and when it’s needed to.
However, for sometime Southern Water have needed to carry out important sewer repair works.
These works, which will take place from 17th June for two weeks, have been delayed due to Newport Road being such an important link to the town, but as was explained at the last public meeting on the subject, if left for too long there could be a failure that would result in the road having to be closed for much longer than two weeks.
Emergency repair works
In fact, emergency repair works had to be carried out by Southern Water on the lower section of the graben area over the bank holiday weekend, resulting in temporary traffic lights and long tailbacks in either direction on Newport Road and Ocean View Road.
Many residents and businesses called for lower Gills Cliff Road to be opened urgently – and in particular before Newport Road is fully closed for two weeks.
Gills Cliff Road
Gills Cliff Road – one of the roads in and out of town that would relieve pressure on upper Gills Cliff Road and Ocean Road – remains closed (since February 2024) until substantial netting, of the type used in Belgrave Road, with ground anchors is designed and fitted.
Residents have been told that this is expected to take several weeks.
Bath Road
On Bath Road, it’s been explained that the council have issued enforcement action on the landowner of the collapsed retaining wall – which has resulted in the closure of the road for many months – but the owner has challenged this in the Magistrates Court.
How you can help
During the last public meeting, council officers explained they had been speaking to businesses in the town to help build a case for further government funding to improve the infrastructure issues.
They are also calling for residents and businesses to share details of how they are being negatively impacted from all the road closures.
All are being urged to send an email to [email protected] with their stories. Make sure you include your name and address too.
