Ventnor's Bath Road Could Reopen Before End Of Year After Three-Year Closure

Work to reopen Bath Road in Ventnor is expected to begin next month, with the Isle of Wight Council aiming to restore access before Christmas.

Bath Road in Ventnor could reopen before the end of 2026, three years after a collapsed wall forced its closure.

The Isle of Wight Council has confirmed that a contractor has been appointed, with work on the route between Ventnor Esplanade and the upper town due to start in November.

The road has been closed since October 2023, when heavy rainfall caused a privately owned wall to collapse, leaving the route covered in rubble.

Repairs were previously delayed by a dispute over responsibility for the wall, although the council confirmed in August that an agreement had been reached with the property owner, removing the need to await the outcome of court proceedings.

A council spokesperson said:

"Work to reopen Bath Road in Ventnor is due to begin in November following the appointment of a contractor.

"The road will remain closed for safety reasons, although pedestrian access will continue during the works.

"The aim is to reopen the road before the end of the year, subject to weather conditions and ongoing site monitoring.

"The Isle of Wight Council will keep residents updated as work progresses."

The prolonged closure has prompted concerns from businesses along Ventnor Esplanade over its impact on trade and tourism.

Tony Groves, owner of Lady Scarlett's Tea Room, previously reported a 20 to 30 per cent fall in business, while Lisa Boynton, who co-runs the Esplanade Beach Shop, said earlier this year that trade had dropped by around 25 per cent.