FIRST PHASE OF PROTECTION SCHEME IN VENTNOR TO GET UNDERWAY THIS WEEK

The Esplanade between Wheelers Bay and Bonchurch will be closed to the general public for 2 months from today (Monday), the Environment Agency (EA) has announced. This news is the latest development in the wider Ventnor Coastal Protection and Slope Stabilisation Scheme which is set to run into the next decade. These latest changes which will see the stretch of the coastal path closed until 22nd March 2024, will take the form of ‘coring, trench pits and boreholes along the esplanade’ and the plans show that the affected area will run from the site of the existing closed section to the West along to Monks Bay to the East. Beginning this week, the first phase will see the size of the working compound reduced, re-opening the upper terrace in the vicinity of the Diplodocus Labyrinth and making good the working area. The lower terrace will remain closed whilst a decision is taken on when to progress with phase 2, the trial groundwater extraction tests. The site welfare and plant compound will remain in La Falaise car park compound whilst the coastal ground investigation works in Wheelers Bay are taking place. The site will be removed ahead of the Easter break It is hoped that the Environment Agency is to give an update on proceedings this Thursday (25th January). There will then be a lengthy consultation period in the coming years with the construction of a long-term solution not expected to begin until Winter 2028/2029 and completion not expected until Winter 2030/2031.