Binstead and Fishbourne councillor Ian Dore has raised concerns about the sudden closure of Firestone Copse Road (as reported by OnTheWight) after receiving a large number of messages from residents.
He says people across the area have contacted him with practical concerns about the loss of what he describes as a vital link between villages.
Residents report disruption
Councillor Dore says the closure has forced people to take longer detours for work, school runs, caring duties, visiting relatives and other everyday journeys.
He says residents have provided calm, but emotionally charged and detailed information about the impact.
Councillor Dore thanked residents for the volume of feedback and said it had proved invaluable.
Councillor challenges decision
Councillor Dore stressed that he represents residents, but does not control Isle of Wight Council or Island Roads.
He said he cannot reopen the road himself, but will continue to act as a persistent voice for residents until he sees what he considers a fair outcome.
Councillor Dore said he had challenged Island Roads directly and asked for the evidence behind the closure.
Calls for evidence and alternative solution
He said he had called for the issue to receive attention at a senior level because of the scale of the impact.
Councillor Dore also said he had walked the route at different times and in different conditions to understand the situation on the ground.
He said Councillor Chris Jenkins joined him on one evening to provide a second set of eyes.
Proposal for one-way system
Councillor Dore said he had formally called for a practical step-down solution that protects safety without cutting communities off.
He said safety matters but should not default to a full closure.
Councillor Dore said the closure adds to disruption already caused by the Elenors Grove works, which he said had led to reports of a 30% drop in trade for some businesses.
He also said Quarr Abbey had felt a serious impact.
Concerns about wider traffic effects
Councillor Dore said closing Firestone Copse Road pushes more traffic onto Main Road in Havenstreet.
He said that road appears in the Isle of Wight speed review as higher risk for pedestrians, with traffic calming already recommended.
Councillor Dore said feedback suggests the closure has increased risk on that route.
Requests for transparency
Councillor Dore said Island Roads had linked the closure to the volume and manner of vehicles using Firestone Copse Road.
He said he had not received evidence to support the decision as of the day of writing.
Councillor Dore said residents deserve transparency and a clear plan.
Next steps
He said residents do not want a free-for-all, but instead want representation, a proportionate response and a viable onward route.
Councillor Dore said he had called for urgent action and would continue to pursue a managed one-way system with signage, speed-reduction measures and enforceable weight or width restrictions where appropriate.
He thanked parish councils and residents for their input and said he would continue pressing for a solution he considers safe and fair for Island communities.
