Ventnor Town Council has issued the following statement in response to the recent update from the Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads regarding the ongoing closure of Belgrave Road. The statement outlines the Council’s position, key concerns, and the importance of timely progress for our community.
Ventnor Town Council welcomes the update from the Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads regarding the ongoing efforts to reopen Belgrave Road. We recognise the complexity and specialist nature of the work required to stabilise the rockface and ensure long-term safety for all users.
Whilst the Town Council is not directly responsible for highways infrastructure, we continue to advocate strongly on behalf of our residents and businesses, who are significantly impacted by the prolonged closure. Belgrave Road is a vital link within our town, and its closure has affected access, footfall, and trade – particularly for businesses in the area and those relying on pedestrian connectivity.
We are encouraged by the commitment to progress works this autumn and appreciate the consideration being given to enabling pedestrian access as soon as it is safe to do so. However, we must stress the following:
1. A clear and publicly accessible timeline for the works is critical to our community’s ability to plan and adapt.
2. The project must be given appropriate prioritisation within Island Roads’ and the Isle of Wight Council’s wider programme of works.
3. A regular timetable of updates should be established to keep residents, businesses, and the Town Council informed of progress, changes, and any emerging challenges.
4. We would welcome community engagement sessions or briefings to ensure residents and businesses are kept informed and can raise concerns directly.
5. Any temporary pedestrian access routes must be designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring safe passage for all, including those with limited mobility, pushchairs, and mobility aids.
6. We encourage the Isle of Wight Council to consider monitoring the economic impact of the closure and to explore support options for affected businesses where appropriate.
7. This situation highlights the need for long-term investment in the resilience of Ventnor’s infrastructure, given the town’s unique topography and vulnerability to ground movement.
8. The closure has already impacted key town activities and events, and with further seasonal and community events fast approaching, timely progress and communication are more important than ever.
9. It is understood that Island Roads have installed signage around the town, including maps to indicate diversion routes. However, it has been reported that some signs are not robust and have fallen or failed shortly after installation. Island Roads must ensure that diversion signage is sufficiently visible, appropriately placed in multiple key locations across town, and maintained with an agreed frequency to ensure it remains in place and effective throughout the duration of the closure.
Ventnor Town Council remains available to support coordination efforts and to ensure that local voices are heard throughout this process. We will continue to press for transparency, urgency, and community engagement as this essential work progresses.