By IW Observer.co.uk
After a nearly four-year wait, work to replace the old barriers at The Causeway in Freshwater has been completed.
Residents had complained about the time it had been taken to remove the temporary barriers and unsightly cones and upgrade the site. Now Island Roads have completed the project ahead of its original target of September.
David Howarth, of the Isle of Wight Ramblers, said: “I think they have done a wonderful job. The Causeway is a popular place for people to take photographs and these pictures will now be shown around the world.”
An Island Roads spokesman confirmed: “The project began earlier this month following lengthy discussions with the Isle of Wight Council over the most suitable way of providing safe barriers that were also in keeping with the unique rural surroundings.
“The work also required other consents given the location’s environmental importance – it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Area Conservation, a Special Protection Area and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and also a designated RAMSAR site because it is a renowned waterfowl habitat.
“We have installed a traditional-looking post and rail system using English oak posts supplied by local company, Chessell Woodyard. The project has already received the thumbs-up from the local community.”
Cllr John Medland, who represents Freshwater South, said: “I am delighted to see these works finally completed after four years of temporary barriers in an iconic local beauty spot. These repairs are just what the local community has been asking for.”
Isle of Wight Observer