Residents of Niton and St Lawrence have expressed anger at attempts to cut back overhanging Buddleia on Undercliff Drive after fencing was damaged when work was undertaken.
Undercliff Drive – between Niton and St Lawrence – has been a cause for local concern since 2014 when the road collapsed, with it being a major talking point in the South Wight ever since.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the original road was closed recently by Island Roads after it was discovered that there was an asbestos problem underneath the carriageway – allegedly.
This decision was to the amazement of local residents with 1 Island Echo reader, saying:
“Island Roads have made the excuse of ‘asbestos’ on the old road (no proof) and if it is hard asbestos then so long as you don’t disturb it there is no problem. The old road is stable and is hard. There is asbestos everywhere.
“Why have Island Roads created an unnecessary hazard for walkers and due to the sharp bend it won’t be long until someone/dog gets hit by a car, motorbike or a bike? Island Roads have not maintained the new road as there is overhanging buddleia.”
Since the publishing of that letter, contractors have moved in on the site and have cut down the previously overhanging Buddleia.
However, in their efforts to make the road and path more accessible for those using it, the contractor has cut down a large amount of the overhanging hedge – but has also damaged ranch-style fencing at the side of the road.
As a result, locals are calling for Island Roads to instruct the contractor to return and fix the damaged fencing.
It’s understood that Island Roads have instructed the contractors who cut the Buddleia to make good the damage they have caused.
The Buddleias needed cutting back but I expect it was done by machine like most roadside hedges, (more like ‘trashing’ than cutting actually), hence the damage.
If the job can’t be done from the cab it doesn’t get done !!!
Awww Diddums.
Is it not a privately owned woodland??
We have to clear our small patch of woodland/hedgerow that over hangs the road. We get no end of letter’s from the council to get it sorted even when it’s been fully cleared.
Are we just not living in the right area?
Can we blame island roads for not doing our job aswell?
Really not a news story,a bit of 4×2 and some nails!.
I walked past this last Monday and some of the accidentally damaged fence was rotten anyway.
If they cut it by hand cost a fortune.
Some just gripe about everything and anything
I have to agree. The fencing is quite rotten in places and a lot of it was already damaged before the buddleia was cleared. I think they did a good job. If you don’t cut buddleia back hard, it will grow straight back. It shouldn’t have got that overgrown and can’t really blame the contractors because you couldn’t even see there was a fence for the most of it as it was so neglected and overgrown.
If the council had maintained the drainage as they should have done, Undercliffe Drive would still be open as a road.
I am pleased it isn’t. A lot more peaceful and idiots would be crashing into the walls that run its entire length
so petty. there is some real shit goin on in the world. loosen up.
Is this Headline yor Have I got News For You?