Fears of further landslides on the Isle of Wight have prompted the local authority to issue a safety warning. Weeks of heavy rain means the risk of rockfalls is even greater than usual, and is likely to remain high until the Spring. It can take some time for the water to seep down, with the situation becoming critical when winter temperatures lead to the land expanding and contracting as groundwater freezes and thaws. Parts of the Island have already seen significant ground movement, such as between Bonchurch and Luccombe where footpaths have been closed off for people’s safety. Natasha Dix, the council’s strategic manager for environment, said:
“The Island has suffered some of the heaviest rainfall it has ever seen leaving the ground sodden and cliff faces unstable. “While the Island’s coast is a wonderful place to visit, it’s important to use common sense and caution — stay away from the edge and base of cliffs and always pay attention to warning signs and safety messages. “Admire the views from a safe distance and keep dogs on leads.”
Councillor Karen Luccioni, Cabinet member for community protection, added:
“Our coast is a dynamic environment that is changing all the time and the potential threat to human life is very real. “Periods of intense rainfall can make cliff edges more vulnerable and likely to collapse – you do not want to be nearby if that happens. “Our advice is: take notice of warning signs and avoid going directly under, or on top of cliffs, no matter how tempting it might be”.
If you or someone else is in difficulty on the coast or at sea, or if you spot what you think may be unexploded ordnance, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Further safety information can be found at https://coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk/.
Get help faster by giving emergency services your exact location by using ///what3words.
what3words have divided the world into 3m squares and given each square a unique combination of three words, which means when you are in a remote area of the Isle of Wight you can get assistance much quicker without the need for local knowledge.
One expects a lot more visitors to our Southerly shores, walking with a dog’s lead, but having no dog will not be deterred by any warning, no matter how dangerous, as the Holidays are coming Coke demand rises to celebrate our Lords Birthday in the most unfitting way ever.
What on earth…?
CJ just for your benefit: Many people have been searching the South coast of the Island for drugs, you may have heard about tons of Cocaine washing ashore there.
To have an ‘excuse’ they take a dog lead, and pretend it is lost, hence the searching high and low along the cliff edges on the shore.
Coca Cola USUALLY run an ad with the song ‘Holidays are coming’ as a lorry all lit up drives through snowy lanes.
So the demand for Cola AND Cocaine rises in holiday seasons, the latter I feel is NOT fitting to celebrate our saviours Birth day.
NOW do you ‘get it’, if not, there is now, apparently no shame in ‘adult learning’.
You are truly away with the fairies chump!
Have you had a sample of the old Bolivian marching powder?
I know the council gets a bad rep for closing roads and paths for no or little reason but in this case there’s a legit reason.
For info, these are the flight of steps below Devils Chimney and I would agree, it’s very dangerous, don’t try it.
What’s life without a little danger ?
Are you really so thick that you imagine someone would try to walk down those knackered steps?