FEARS GROW FOR FUTURE OF MILITARY ROAD AS VOID OPENS

Islanders are growing increasingly concerned for the future of a scenic coastal route following the discovery of a void, which has already led to the closure of a footpath. The void right beside Military Road – at its highest point – was spotted around 2 weeks ago and has progressively become worse. Now, following an inspection by Island Roads, an immediate closure has been put in place on Footpath F35, which runs along the cliff top between Compton and Freshwater Bay. According to local councillor Chris Jarman, the void will be monitored for signs of any further movement. Concerns have been raised for what this situation could mean for Military Road due to the position of the void and what could be happening below the surface. Locals have been commenting that if things get any worse, they could easily envisage the road being restricted or closed. This weekend is set to bring adverse weather conditions to our shores, which won’t help the situation. A yellow weather warning for strong winds is in force for Sunday into Monday, which is expected to be upgraded to an amber warning in due course. The Isle of Wight Council is already on high alert for landslides as October’s record-breaking rainfall will now be penetrating the lower ground levels, with January and February highlighted as months where devastation could be witnessed. Sensors are active on the affected section of Military Road which will activate road closed signs if any movement is detected.