Just days after signs were erected at Shanklin’s Osborne Steps labelling the Isle of Wight Council a ‘disgrace’ the local authority has confirmed that works to re-open the coastal route, which has been closed for more than 3 years, are to begin next week.
It was back in late 2022 that the steps, and a section of Eastcliff Promenade, were closed following considerable land movement just before Christmas.
In 2023, the Isle of Wight Council commissioned Island Roads to investigate the slip which had affected the footpath to the beach, the road and pavement at the cliff top. Investigations uncovered a void behind a section of retaining wall.
After the issues had been identified, Island Echo understands that funds were allocated to resolve the issue, but despite the approval of Full Council, the repair strategy was overuled by the-then Cabinet.
Since the closure in 2022, the site has been left to the elements. Barriers between the pavement and the cliff below have fallen over, sandbags have split all over the road, heras fencing used to block the road has been left to rust, and weeds have been left to pierce through the road surface.
Then, earlier this week, laminated signs were cable-tied to the heras fencing around the closure calling the Isle of Wight Council a ‘disgrace’.
In a dramatic turn, Island Echo can now reveal that works to repair the steps and reinstate access will begin next week. The upcoming programme of works aims not only to restore access but also to strengthen the area against future instability.
The scheme will involve the installation of a new groundwater drainage system designed to relieve pressure building up behind the retaining wall – a factor believed to have contributed to the earlier failure.
In addition, the retaining wall itself will be reconstructed, protective netting will be installed to capture any falling debris from the cliff face, and the steel staircase will be fully refurbished.
Peter Hayward, project manager for the scheme, said the works are both necessary and carefully planned to ensure long-term resilience. He said:
“This is a comprehensive package of repairs that addresses both the immediate damage and the underlying causes.
“By installing improved drainage and reinforcing the retaining structures, we’re aiming to significantly reduce the risk of future failures while restoring safe public access as quickly as possible.”
The works are expected to take around 4 weeks, with a target reopening date towards the end of June, subject to weather and site conditions.
Looking beyond the immediate works, further measures are planned to improve safety along the nearby Eastcliff Promenade.
The section currently closed to vehicles will be permanently altered, with the carriageway narrowed and access restricted to cyclists, pedestrians and mobility scooter users.
All that time waiting and now it will be completed in four weeks!. Hopefully Appley Steps in Rylstone Gardens can be next on the list.
Too be honest how long will both steps last, the island is
falling apart in parts.
It’s a waste of time and money repairing such steps.
The lift should be free of charge.
“despite the approval of Full Council, the repair strategy was overuled by the-then Cabinet” – which was mainly those wonderful “Independents”.
People like Jordan who only cared about…Ryde. Bacon – St Helens. Fuller – Gurnard and Peachey – Cowes.
That is what you get with “Independents” they only care about “their patch”.
Who did Shanklin have? Tory Boy Quirke.
Appley steps were out of action for a while and then the council spent £165,000 for the steps to be repaired and they lasted one season. They have been out of action since. They also spent thousands reinstating drainage on the other side of the gardens and then promptly closed the route off. The council seems to forget the impression this gives visitors and how locals are losing facilities they would rather have. A coastal path or a “bay place plan” should surely include access?
certainly is disgusting and a waste of funds if they are not going to use the money to repair permanently. Would like someone to say what the actual problem at appley steps is?