Nine-Point Belgrave Road Plan Set Out By Ventnor Town Council

A nine-point plan has been set out by an Isle of Wight town council in response to County Hall’s announcement of on-site works to reopen Belgrave Road.

Ventnor Town Council (VTC) said it is ‘encouraged’ by the Isle of Wight Council’s commitment to progress the works this autumn which include installing a ‘rock netting system’ to ‘stabilise the cliff face’.

Belgrave Road has been closed since March when it was hit by tonnes of debris in a rockfall, damaging both the road surface and parapets and retaining walls below.

A statement issued this month said VTC ‘remains available’ to ‘support coordination efforts’ and ensure ‘local voices are heard’ throughout the process.

“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 will continue to press for transparency, urgency, and community engagement as this essential work progresses.”

A spokesperson listed the following points:

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.

On Wednesday, Michelle Love, Isle of Wight Council service director for highways and community protection, said:

“We know the Ventnor community wants to see Belgrave Road open as soon as possible.

“We do too, and we can assure local residents and businesses that we are doing what we can, as quickly as we can, to get the job done.”

The same day, Joanne Saunders, Island Roads structures manager, said:

“This is specialist work which must be done diligently and in accordance with professional advice.

“What may seem like a simple clearance is, in fact, a complex operation requiring specialist contractors, detailed sequencing, designed temporary and permanent works, and robust risk management.”