Seaview Slipway Closed After Coastal Defence Wall Failure

The Isle of Wight Council is urging residents and visitors to stay away from Seaview slipway after a failure was discovered in the coastal defence wall.

The affected section is located on Pier Road, at the seaward end of the slipway.

Council officers identified damage to the lower, tidal section of the coastal defence, prompting an immediate closure on safety grounds.

Because the damaged area is subject to tidal conditions, the council says it is not possible to install physical barriers on the beach or between the sea defences, as these would be washed away.

Instead, access to the slipway has been closed from the landward side on Pier Road.

Investigations are now underway to determine the cause of the failure and to identify a long-term solution.

However, due to the challenging conditions on site and the risk of further movement, the slipway is expected to remain closed for the foreseeable future.

Council officers are due to return at low tide today (Friday) to carry out further assessments.

Natasha Dix, service director for waste, environment and planning, said:

“Public safety is our absolute priority.

"The damage is in a tidal zone, which means any barrier placed at the bottom would be removed by the sea, so we’ve closed the slipway from the landward side and are asking everyone to avoid the area.

“We’ll continue to monitor conditions at low tide and will update the community as soon as we have a safe way forward.”

The council is also reminding people to take extra care around the coast following recent tidal surges and persistent wet weather.

Advice includes:

• keeping clear of sea walls, promenades and slipways during rough conditions;

• avoiding standing close to the edge of defences to watch waves;

• not attempting to cross flooded paths or beach sections cut off by the tide;

• keeping dogs on leads near cliffs and tidal structures.

Anyone who notices new damage or movement along the shoreline is asked to report it to the council so risks can be assessed quickly by emailing Coastandbeaches@iow.gov.uk.