By Isle of Wight Observer
People are being urged to avoid Seaview slipway, after damage was discovered in a coastal defence wall.
The IW Council said the affected section, at the seaward end of the slipway in Pier Road, has suffered a failure. Because the lower area is tidal, physical barriers cannot be installed on the beach or between the sea defences, as they would be washed away. The closure is therefore being enforced from the landward side on Pier Road.
Council officers are investigating the cause of the damage and working to identify a long-term solution. Given site conditions and the risk of further movement, the slipway is expected to remain closed for the foreseeable future. Further assessments were due to be carried out at low tide on Friday.
Residents are being advised to take extra care near the coast following recent surges and persistent wet weather, including keeping clear of sea walls, promenades, and slipways in rough conditions, avoiding the edges of defences, not crossing flooded or cut-off areas, and keeping dogs on leads near cliffs and tidal structures.
Any new coastal damage can be reported to the council at coastandbeaches@iow.gov.uk.
