LANDSLIDE AT SHORWELL BLOCKS MAIN ROAD IN AND OUT OF VILLAGE

A landslide at the top of Shorwell Shute has severed the main road in and out of the village. Island Roads has been forced to close the B3323 as a result of the slippage, which has sent tonnes of earth across the carriageway. It comes following a further 30mm of rain over the past 24 hours or so – the latest downpour to hit the Island in recent weeks. Vehicular access is impossible but it’s said that the area is passable on foot. Motorists are having to divert via Kingston or Brighstone. Southern Vectis’ Route 12 will be diverting through Kingston Road, Whitcombe to Cedar Hill. This diversion will operate in both directions until further notice. Work will now take place to clear the debris with an aim of re-opening the Shorwell to Carisbrooke road at the earliest opportunity.