The Isle of Wight Council is allowing emergency services to access Ventnor via the closed – and supposedly perilous – Leeson Road, potentially putting the lives of first responders at risk. During a heated public meeting in February, the Isle of Wight Council confirmed that the area near Smugglers Havan remains unsafe. It was stated that an independent investigation and risk assessment has found that there is a risk of further landslides, with recommendations that a 20m buffer zone be maintained around the active zone. Island Roads says that the proximity of the exposed rear scarp gives significant cause for concern, so much so that the road cannot be re-opened to pedestrians or traffic. However, it has emerged that despite stating that the area remains at risk of further landslides, emergency services are being permitted to travel through the ‘danger zone’ between Shanklin and Ventnor. Island Echo understands that only fire engines are using this route at present – there have been no reports of Police, ambulances or HM Coastguard travelling through the closure since the road was closed back in December last year. The revelation that 13-tonne fire engines can travel along Leeson Road, but pedestrians and light vehicles cannot, will no doubt cause upset among Ventnor residents who have been calling for the arterial route to re-open immediately. If the situation is on as much of a knife edge as is made out, the lives of 5 Shanklin firefighters – and other emergency services – are potentially put at risk every time they travel through the closure. 
The local authority says that it does not consider the very occasional use of Leeson Road by blue-light services, while on life-saving duties, to be comparable to the risks and liabilities for the wider public of opening the route at all times. It’s said that emergency first responders are trained in risk management. A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council has told Island Echo:
“All blue-light services were consulted over the decision to close Leeson Road. It was decided these services would be permitted to enter the closure area to respond to emergencies. “Leeson Road is closed to the public due to the risk of further substantial landslips. This risk exists because of wider geological movement caused by various factors, particularly previous erosion, and recent ground saturation. “Emergency services staff are aware of the risks of using Leeson Road and are trained in risk management. We do not consider the very occasional use of Leeson Road by blue-light services while on life-saving duties to be comparable to the risks and liabilities for the wider public of opening the route at all times”.
