UPDATED: ACCESS TO VENTNOR SEVERED OWING TO MOTORCYCLE CRASH AT WHITWELL

A crash involving a motorcyclist has blocked the main Whitwell to Ventnor Road, severing vehicular access in and out of the town of Ventnor. The incident has occurred on Whitwell Road, near to where temporary traffic lights have been erected this week. Emergency services are on scene having been called at around 07:30. Due to the long term closure of Leeson Road and temporary closure of Newport Road, the road to and from Whitwell is currently the only way in and out of Ventnor. Motorists are advised to avoid the area. The closure is set to impact on school transport, deliveries and staffing. UPDATE @ 08:33 – Police are describing the incident as ‘serious’, but say they endeavour to reopen the road as soon as possible. The crash has involved a Honda CBR motorcycle and a Mazda Bongo people carrier. The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service has an ambulance crew, critical care paramedic and an operational commander on scene, with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service mobilising 1 appliance from Shanklin in the interests of scene safety. The road has been closed by Police at the junction with Kemming Road – all traffic is being diverted away from the area. UPDATE @ 08:44 – Whitwell Road has now reopened in both directions. The injured motorcyclist has been blue lighted to St Mary’s Hospital with serious, but not life-threatening injuries. Access to Ventnor has now been restored.