Emergency works are continuing in Ventnor in a frantic bid to stabilise the seawall to prevent further damage.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the partial collapse of the seawall that runs between Ventnor and Bonchurch has led to concerns about the potential for an imminent environmental disaster. There are fears that a concrete pipe could be damaged, which would spill untreated sewage from Bonchurch and Ventnor straight into the sea.
This week, as part of the ongoing efforts to mitigate the damage done, specially engineered rock net sacks will be packed into the void that now extends under the eastern esplanade. The sacks will be linked together to help stabilise the coastal defences just beyond Ventnor Skatepark, where the partial collapse of 2 concrete panels is allowing material under the apron to be washed away.
Further works will take place to stabilise the seawall over the coming weeks but teams are currently awaiting the next low spring tide to be able to see the extent of the works needed. However, the reality is that it could be some time before the coastal path is re-opened and it may be years until the situation is permanently resolved. The year 2026 has been raised as a possible date of completion…
Natasha Dix, the council’s strategic manager for the environment and waste, has said the area remains extremely dangerous and is urging people to stay away for their own safety. She’s said:
“It’s with a heavy heart I have to say that pedestrian access along the seawall may not be restored in the short-term.
“Currently, our teams are working collaboratively to carry out emergency works to try to stabilise this section of the revetment and prevent further damage and erosion.
Article continues below this advertisement “Once that has been achieved, we can then look to start urgent works to maintain the seawall and consider options for the promenade; we are already lining up coastal structural engineers for this purpose. We’ll know more in the New Year as to what solutions can be considered.
“Until then, I cannot stress strongly enough just how dangerous it is for anyone to try to gain access to the site.
“Although it may look safe, the large void could mean the concrete collapses at any moment; anyone who ignores the closure will be putting not just their own lives at risk, but those of the emergency services too.”
Daily monitoring continues to take place with the council working in collaboration with the Environment Agency and Southern Water, as well as consulting with the Marine Conservation Society, Natural England and the Marine Management Organisation.
lot of vehicles and big plant machinery at the end of that video and not a sole on site
Frantic indeed its that frantic they forgot to send staff
What is the worry about ‘raw sewage”?
Southern water do it all the time and charge its customers for the privilege.