A mysterious ‘void’ is said to be the cause of the Isle of Wight Council’s inability to repair Osborne Steps footpath in Shanklin.
Osborne Steps footpath was originally closed due to land movement within the adjacent cliff face. This led to the collapse of a section of footway on East Cliff Promenade.
Isle of Wight Council has released the following statement:
“The Osborne Steps footpath was originally closed due to land movement within the adjacent cliff face which led to the failure of a section of footway on East Cliff Promenade. An investigation was required due to concerns being raised in respect to retaining structures lower down the steps.
“That has revealed that part of the previously redundant path is now at risk of falling onto the current path. A void has also been identified behind the section of the retaining wall that is bulging within the lower section of the steps/footpath complex.
“It is necessary to establish the likely cause of the void that has been identified, prepare a design solution to rectify this and source the necessary materials.
“In addition, we are awaiting the estimates for clearance of all loose slope debris, the installation of localised erosion prevention matting/mesh and drainage investigation work.
“We know that this is an important route, particularly during the summer season but are not currently able to reopen it on grounds of safety.
Article continues below this advertisement “As soon as there is an update and programme for the remedial works to resolve the void issue a further statement will be issued.
The only mysterious void is in the council itself
Clearly the need for Gabion cages here. With the article mentioning loose stones and the cost of removing such, that would not be necessary if Gabion cages were deployed. The could be made to fit the void and loose stone used to fill them. Thus saving importing materials and fees of taking away the fallen debris
Also Gabion will provide drainage. Cheap easy environment friendly, so WONT be used by this Council
You really have a thing for these gibion cages ;);)
Nice idea , but gabion cages do not support the wildlife as they have a low habit value
Great for rats. Rats absolutely love gabion cages.
Just here for the Gabion Cage chat.
I think, from the number of times you post the same thing, that you obviously supply these gabion cages?
No sh*t Sherlock. The ads are often on these pages.
I wish someone would place Gabion cage over your keyboard.
The IOW Council have a lot of mystery voids don’t they?
Mostly between their ears…
Are we supposed to believe that it has taken all this time just to get estimates for work? Someone at the council needs a kick up the posterior.
The void is the time it takes the council to do any similar repairs around the Island. It will continue to grow cos they will be years on this.
Sometimes I think they do it strategically hoping it becomes uneconomic to repair and they can close it permanently and save money.
But realistically I know there isn’t a strategy at all.
It might be my eye’s playing tricks on me.
But when you look up at this area from the seafront there seems to be the remains of an old pillbox.