Work to replace new yet traditional barriers at The Causeway in Freshwater has been completed.
The project began earlier this month following lengthy discussions with the Isle of Wight Council over the most suitable way of providing safe barriers that were also in keeping with the unique rural surroundings.
The work also required other consents given the location’s environmental importance – it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Area Conservation, a Special Protection Area and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and also a designated RAMSAR site because it is a renowned waterfowl habitat.
The work itself has installed a new but traditional-looking post and rail system using English oak posts supplied by local company Chessell Woodyard of Calbourne.
The project has already received the thumbs-up from the local community.
Councillor John Medland, for Freshwater South, has said:
“I am delighted to see these works finally completed after four years of temporary barriers in what is an iconic local beauty spot. These repairs are just what the local community has been asking for.”
Councillor Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, adds:
“The work looks really good and while it has taken longer that envisaged and we have had to work through holdups in the planning and agreement stages, the project has now restored the unique character of this lovely spot so it can be enjoyed and accessed safely by residents and visitors alike. A great success story for all concerned.”
Island Roads construction manager Keith Gourlay has also said:
“I understand and share the local frustrations regarding the timescales getting through the agreement stages but we’re pleased that the work is already getting good feedback and we are also happy to have worked so well with a local company, Chessell Woodyard, who were extremely helpful.”
They have put up some nice railings.Wow.
Has Jordan recieved any plans from network rail yet for the intagrated transport hub at Ryde esplande?
Or are they still waiting for the plans while they tear the seafront apart?
It does look amazing, well done
Please can they now do the same for the road from Bouldnor into Yarmouth. There has been orange barriers there for years. Opposite Yarmouth Common where the pavement and road has dropped. Thanks.
I hope they paint the posts black and white as they used to be when I were young.
Looked classy and easily seen in mist and foggy weather
Well, if you cant see those it’s time you handed your licence in!
Nice to see Stuart. I was at school with him.
We can have nice things, progress without ruination of the aesthetic, this proves it!
Now let’s sort the rest of the island out in a style that befits the place.
No more grand designs monstrosities, or putting our green space under concrete for the greed of developers!
Excellent, good job well done. Now we just need ridiculous speed limit reduced to 20mph, and something to stop people tying their boats/kayaks to the posts and scrambling onto the road, breaking the edging again.