Locals take action over closed road in Ventnor

The efforts of a determined resident, and his attempt to clear debris left behind by a collapsed wall in Ventnor, look to have been in vain.

Karl Hunter decided enough was enough this week, after Bath Road, between Ventnor Esplanade and the top of the town, remained closed 18 months after the collapse.

He said: “The closure has had a detrimental effect on Ventnor sea front. It’s frustrating and, when you look at it, something needs to be done. I understand there is a dispute between the owner and Island Roads.

“So I approached the owner and asked if he had any objections if I cleared the road and he agreed he would like to see the road open. As there is no sign of a solution, I went with a couple of friends and started sweeping up and clearing the affected area.

“I believe there are better ways Island Roads could have approached this. The IW Council and Island Roads make these decisions on the community’s behalf, but the community does not have an input; we don’t have a voice which can be heard.

“I have suggested putting a brace on the wall to support it. It may mean traffic lights are in place, but at least the road would be open one way. If there was the possibility of the wall collapsing imminently, of course, it would be a problem, but nothing has happened to the wall for the last 18 months.

“Until the dispute is resolved, do we continue to wait? I was hoping that by taking this action it would put pressure on Island Roads and the council to get the road open.”

However, despite Karl’s efforts, a spokesman on behalf of the IW Council and Island Roads said: “The closure of Bath Road followed the collapse of a private wall and it is the responsibility of that private landowner to make the required repairs.

“The council is currently engaged in legal action to secure repairs which is delaying the ability to reopen this route in the town.

“Our view is that, even if debris was cleared away, there remains a risk of a further collapse and until that risk is removed, the road should not be re-opened to the general public.”

The IW Observer understands the building is currently an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) and the owner, who lives on the mainland, insists the wall has nothing to do with him, claiming the responsibility lies with the IW Council.

Ventnor has suffered a series of setbacks over the last couple of years, with landslides also causing long-lasting road closures blocking access to the town and its businesses.