By Isle of Wight Observer
An Island business has reportedly lost over £1,500 in a single week due to the “horrendous” handling of roadworks at Horsebridge Hill and the subsequent lengthy diversions for Cowes-bound traffic from Newport.
Matthew Westwood, who runs the Stag Inn on Cowes Road, expressed his frustration after two cancelled group bookings, dwindling passing trade, and empty tables. Yesterday (Thursday), he closed the pub at 3pm after not seeing a single customer, planning to open again in the evening. “There is no point in firing up my kitchen to burn gas just for nobody to come in,” he lamented. “The impact of these roadworks has been horrendous.”
Residents and businesses have grown increasingly angry, with some reporting journeys along the six-and-a-half-mile diversion via Forest Road, Whitehouse Lane, Rolls Hill, and Pallance Road taking up to 90 minutes. Meanwhile, the usually busy stretch of road from Cowes to Newport has seen dramatically reduced traffic.
“There’s been more tumbleweed than vehicles going past the pub this week,” said Mr Westwood.
“There’s been a complete lack of consultation, and nobody is taking accountability for their actions. Since Monday, it’s been a complete write-off, but there is no reduction in my business rates or compensation for lost business. It’s absolutely horrendous.”
Commuters have also vented their frustration. Toby Beardsall, who uses the route daily for work, started a Facebook group named ‘Newport Road Protest Group’ to rally those affected. Writing on the page, he highlighted the impact on Monday, saying, “Many furious commuters. Many near misses. Happy cyclists finding newfound freedom. Gridlocked back streets and a general sense of disbelief that it all starts again tomorrow.”
Concerns about safety have grown with at least three collisions on the residential part of the diversion route. Rolls Hill has been particularly problematic, prompting a 30mph speed limit to be put in place today (Friday). This measure had been suggested by the developer’s contractors, Crown Park, but was initially dismissed as “not necessary” by Island Roads.
Yesterday, the IW Council confirmed that Island Roads recommended the works take place in October to minimise disruption, but this was overruled by the Isle of Wight Council.
The council instead insisted the homes under development be ready for occupation by the end of June. However, the council has not provided a requested timeline of decisions that prevented communication ahead of the project. Captiva Homes, Island Roads, and the council met on April 25, when Island Roads recommended the current diversion as a better alternative to two-way traffic lights near the works.
It was also confirmed that the Traffic Management Plan is “owned by Crown Park on behalf of Captiva”, and was approved by Island Roads. The IW Council said that the impact on journey times via the diversion was considered during the planning process and confirmed there is no requirement for any consultation to take place under these circumstances, although the NHS and Southern Vectis were sent a “stakeholder alert”.
A spokesman for the council said: “We are aware of the impact these roadworks and traffic arrangements are having on local communities. We are working with the housing developer and their traffic management agency to minimise this impact during the roadworks period. The traffic arrangements were chosen to reduce disruption when compared to the two-way lights alternative. Adjustments have been made where possible, and further feedback will be monitored.”
Concerningly, further major utilities works are planned for this site later in the year. Campaigners have scheduled a public meeting at the Stag Inn next Wednesday evening at 6.30pm to discuss the issues.
All are welcome to attend.
Also see Vectis View by Toby Beardsall on page 25.
