EAST WIGHT MP CALLS ON COUNCIL TO TAKE VENTNOR’S FUTURE SERIOUSLY

Joe Robertson MP has said that a ‘sticking plaster approach’ in Ventnor must be replaced by a long-term strategy that will put the Isle of Wight Council in a better position to bid for Government money.

The strong words calling for the Isle of Wight Council to come up with a long-term plan for Ventnor come after Friday night’s rockfall on Belgrave Road.

Mr Robertson visited the site of the major fall over the weekend to speak with local residents and see the damage.

Article continues below this advertisement

Speaking after his visit, where he met with local Councillor Ed Blake, Joe said:

“Shifting rock and earth is not the Council’s fault but it cannot simply wait for crisis events to happen before taking action. It must be more proactive about securing the future of Ventnor and move on from a sticking plaster approach.

“The Council must come up with a whole-town strategy for the next 50 years and beyond. If the Council says it is cash-strapped, then the best thing it could do is come up with a plan because Government is not going to provide financial support if the Council does not have a costed and credible plan to present.”

Local Councillor Ed Blake has added:

“Belgrave Road was closed after a rockfall in the same place in 2020. The Council took 3 years and spent millions on a retaining wall but didn’t deal with the overhanging rock. It was obvious that the rocks above were unstable and would eventually collapse. The Council should have stabilised the rock above as part of the recent works.”

Article continues below this advertisement

Joe Robertson adds:

“After a 3 year closure and millions of pounds spent, we are back to square one with all the money wasted. A new approach is needed from the Council and I stand ready to help secure more funding from Government but Ministers will want to see a detailed plan.”