A long-running legal dispute preventing the reopening of Bath Road in Ventnor has been delayed once again, with the situation, branded as unacceptable by a prominent councillor, pushed down the road until August.
Bath Road has been shut since October 2023 following a structural failure, cutting off access to Ventnor Esplanade from the southern end. There have been repeated calls from residents and councillors for urgent action.
Councillor Ed Blake has confirmed the latest setback in a video update shared with residents, following what was meant to be a decisive court hearing to settle differences between the landowner and the Isle of Wight Council at the end of January.
The case, which centres on responsibility for the collapsed retaining wall and ownership of the land, was due to be heard in Worthing on 28th January. However, no decision was reached, and the matter has now been adjourned for more than 6 months.
Cllr Blake, who represents Ventnor on the Isle of Wight Council, has said that the delay – until 5th August – is unacceptable.
In light of the development, Cllr Blake has met with Wendy Perera, Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Council, to push for interim action.
Ed has said:
“Now, plainly, this is unacceptable.
Article continues below this advertisement “I’ve had a meeting with the CEO, and what we’re going to do is have a meeting with the Legal Services Team and Island Roads to get the solution sorted temporarily before that court date in August”.
Island Echo previously reported that a court error had already stalled proceedings, with the landowner denying ownership of the collapsed wall, leaving the route closed while legal responsibility remains unresolved.
