Easter has been saved for Fort Victoria businesses

Businesses at Fort Victoria have breathed a sigh of relief after the IW Observer stepped in to save their Easter.

The five businesses including the Imaginarium, Cafe Verdi and the Planetarium were stunned to be told that WightFibre would be closing Westhill Lane, from the junction of Linstone Drive to Braxton Meadows, for important works between April 14-17, the start of Easter Week.

Imaginarium owner, Charlotte Anderson, said: “Fort Victoria is a dead- end with only one way in, a full closure to any part of Westhill Lane closes the five businesses that are there for the duration, and, at a time when we stand to earn the most amount of money, to kick-start the year off.

“The week after would not have been an issue; in fact any weeks that are not Bank Holidays or school holidays would have been OK, and, let’s face it, there are enough weeks in the year for this, but yet again they decide to do this to us at one of our peak times.”

However, after the IW Observer stepped in, common sense prevailed with an Island Roads spokesman, saying: “Easter is clearly an important time for residents and businesses in this area and, having reviewed the notice, we will work with WightFibre to reschedule their work and have asked for a consultation with local businesses at Fort Victoria before requesting alternative dates.”

A WightFibre representative added: “This permit was requested by a WightFibre contractor and allocated by Island Roads. We agree this is a nonsensical permit allocation.”

After being told the good news, Charlotte said: “I am certain that, without your support, the works would have gone ahead and I am also sure that I would not have received a response so quickly. Thank you!”