It’s been over two and half years since the Totland landslide took place in December 2012.
The damage was so severe the footpath was closed to the public. Local residents and businesses have since campaigned for the sea wall to be repaired and the footpath reopened.
Budget agreed
Last summer, members of the Isle of Wight council Executive approved a budget of up to £200,000 to carry out the repairs.
No work could be carried out over the winter period, but it sounds as though finally work is about to start.
Campaigner: “Slow progress but, well worth the wait”
One of the campaigners, Helen Wood, updated those following the situation
“I’ve just had an email from the Senior Coastal Engineer, who thinks that it is reasonable to expect that work could start as soon as next week on the landslip path between Totland and Colwell Bays.
“Natural England have now granted their assent, and all that remains is for the contractor, Attrills, to complete a Health and Safety plan.
“So, fingers crossed for an imminent start to this much longed for work. It’s been slow progress, but will be well worth the wait.”
Update 12.07
Three hours after publishing this article, the Council have issued the following press release.
TOTLAND SEAWALL WORKS TO BEGIN
Work to reinstate public access past a damaged section of Totland seawall are due to start over the next fortnight.
The sea wall was severely damaged during a landslip in December 2012.
Last year, members of the council’s Executive agreed to spend up to £200,000 on a ‘make do and mend’ option that will see works undertaken to try and prevent further damage to the wall and installing a new pedestrian route which would re-open the link between Totland and Colwell. This will also have an ongoing annual maintenance cost of around £10,000.
The required assent has been given by Natural England and preparatory works will begin next week ahead of full construction works starting.
The project is likely to take up to 12 weeks to complete.
Isle of Wight Council Executive member for public protection and PFI, Councillor Phil Jordan, said:
“I am pleased works will now begin at Totland seawall.
“Although it is not a full repair, it will reinstate pedestrian access between Totland and Colwell and will minimise further damage. It is the most realistic option given the council’s severe financial constraints.
“I am sure local residents and tourists will look forward to walking along the path once the works are completed towards the end of September.”
The works are being undertaken by local company Graham Atrill (Civil Engineering) Ltd.
Image: © Used with the kind permission of the Isle of Wight council
