By Tilly Walder
The Island witnessed the sad demise of a Grade II listed building during the turbulent weather this weekend, with the partial collapse of a 175-year-old building in Ventnor leaving nearby residents feeling ‘trapped.’
A large section Ravenscourt, a three-storey Italianate belvedere stone tower, the owner of which is believed to be living in Spain, has fallen away across a private road off Ocean View Road in Ventnor. The rubble has blocked off a private driveway also used by residents of The Ravens, a block of 15 chalets adjacent to the crumbling building.
One resident, who did not wish to be named, stated: “It’s an awful feeling, being housebound through no fault of your own. I’ve had to employ the help of family and friends to bring me my food shopping as I’m not able to negotiate the steep hill – which is the only other way to get to my home. I’m trapped!”
An IW Council spokesman said: “The house has been secured with Heras fencing and the owner has requested people do not access the private driveway to view the building.
“The owners of the building in question have asked that no further comment be made in relation to their property.
“Ward member councillor, Rodney Downer, and officers of the council visited on Monday to speak to residents who were in at the time to check on their wellbeing and make arrangements for waste collections.”
It is not yet known what caused the collapse.
Isle of Wight Observer