Ventnor Town Council (VTC) has issued a detailed statement following the recent update from the Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads on the ongoing closure of Belgrave Road.
The VTC says it welcomes the update and recognises the complexity and specialist nature of the work needed to stabilise the rockface and ensure long-term safety for all users.
Impact on residents and businesses
Although not directly responsible for highways infrastructure, Ventnor Town Council says it continues to advocate strongly for residents and businesses affected by the prolonged closure.
Belgrave Road is described as a vital link within the town, with its closure impacting access, footfall and trade – particularly for businesses in the area and those relying on pedestrian connectivity.
Call for a clear timetable and priority status
The VTC says it is encouraged by the commitment to progress works this autumn and appreciates efforts to enable pedestrian access as soon as it is safe.
However, it stresses the need for a clear, publicly accessible timeline for the works to help the community plan and adapt. It also calls for the project to be given appropriate prioritisation within Island Roads’ and the Isle of Wight Council’s wider programme of works.
When OnTheWight asked the Isle of Wight council for more a definite timeline, we were told,
“I am advised as explained, surveys have revealed more work than expected, we would not wish to raise expectations with actual dates other than reiterate we want to see the work underway as safely and soon as possible.”
Regular updates and community engagement
The statement urges the creation of a regular timetable of updates to keep residents, businesses and the Town Council informed of progress, changes and emerging challenges.
It also calls for community engagement sessions or briefings so residents and businesses can be kept informed and raise concerns directly.
Accessibility and support for businesses
The VTC says any temporary pedestrian access routes must be designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring safe passage for people with limited mobility, pushchairs and mobility aids.
It also encourages the Isle of Wight Council to monitor the economic impact of the closure and consider support options for affected businesses.
Long-term investment in infrastructure
The statement highlights the need for long-term investment in the resilience of Ventnor’s infrastructure, given the town’s unique topography and vulnerability to ground movement.
It notes that the closure has already affected key town activities and events, and with more seasonal and community events approaching, timely progress and communication are more important than ever.
Concerns about diversion signage
While acknowledging that Island Roads have installed signage, including maps showing diversion routes, the VTC says it has received reports that some signs are not robust and have fallen or failed shortly after installation.
It calls on Island Roads to ensure diversion signage is visible, well placed in multiple key locations across the town, and regularly maintained to remain effective throughout the closure.
Ongoing commitment
Ventnor Town Council says it remains available to support coordination efforts and to ensure that local voices are heard as the work progresses.
It will continue to press for transparency, urgency and community engagement in moving this essential project forward.
9-point plan
The nine points VTC are calling for:
1. A clear and publicly accessible timeline for the works is critical to our community’s ability to plan and adapt.
2. The project must be given appropriate prioritisation within Island Roads’ and the Isle of Wight Council’s wider programme of works.
3. A regular timetable of updates should be established to keep residents, businesses, and the Town Council informed of progress, changes, and any emerging challenges.
4. We would welcome community engagement sessions or briefings to ensure residents and businesses are kept informed and can raise concerns directly.
5. Any temporary pedestrian access routes must be designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring safe passage for all, including those with limited mobility, pushchairs, and mobility aids.
6. We encourage the Isle of Wight Council to consider monitoring the economic impact of the closure and to explore support options for affected businesses where appropriate.
7. This situation highlights the need for long-term investment in the resilience of Ventnor’s infrastructure, given the town’s unique topography and vulnerability to ground movement.
8. The closure has already impacted key town activities and events, and with further seasonal and community events fast approaching, timely progress and communication are more important than ever.
9. It is understood that Island Roads have installed signage around the town, including maps to indicate diversion routes. However, it has been reported that some signs are not robust and have fallen or failed shortly after installation. Island Roads must ensure that diversion signage is sufficiently visible, appropriately placed in multiple key locations across town, and maintained with an agreed frequency to ensure it remains in place and effective throughout the duration of the closure.
