Growing disruption caused by widespread roadworks across the Isle of Wight is prompting concern from a major visitor attraction, which warns the timing and coordination of works could harm the Island’s economy at a critical time of year.
The Needles Landmark Attraction has raised alarm over the scale, concentration and timing of ongoing roadworks, which include closures, temporary traffic systems and diversions across multiple routes.
The attraction says the cumulative impact is now affecting daily life and economic activity across the Island.
At a key point in the visitor season, The Needles says ongoing disruption is making journeys longer and less predictable, discouraging trips and reducing time spent at attractions.
This is having a direct impact on visitor numbers, with fewer people making the journey and others shortening their stays. The knock-on effect is reduced spending not only at the attraction itself, but across nearby businesses including cafes, shops and other hospitality venues.
The attraction warns that accessibility is critical during spring and summer, when many Isle of Wight businesses rely on strong trade to sustain them through the quieter months.
There are also concerns that overlapping roadworks have intensified disruption, with calls for better coordination and planning around the Island’s seasonal economy.
Brandon Neal, Commercial Manager at The Needles Landmark Attraction, has said:
“Cones have arrived, but so have the consequences.
“The current scale and timing of roadworks is creating widespread disruption at a critical point in the season.
“For many businesses, this is the time of year that determines their viability for the rest of the year. Better coordination and planning are not just desirable – they are essential.”
The attraction says it supports necessary infrastructure improvements but is urging those responsible to ensure delivery minimises avoidable harm to the Island’s economy.
Good luck with being heard. We’ve got an upcoming closure for 5 nights by open reach on the same stretch of road that needs repairs that were reported 4 weeks ago and marked up. Depending on who you speak to at IR you get a different response and none of them include co-ordinating the works. Nobody seems to give s*** about the effect on visitors, businesses and even Joe Public.
I have to agree, the roadworks are keeping me away
from Alum Bay and Newport etc
The Roadworks are a pain in the a@se and are no good
for business
Needles pleasure ground needs improvements aswell,nothing new for anyone for last 15 years
This is what happens when evrything is put in the hands of the private sector. Projects become driven by profit and not provision of a public service
What about us that live here all the time that have to put up with it?
We had the gigabit shit for years and now this!
Enough is Enough
Island roads doesn’t seem to think about things like that.
Unfortunately the UK is sleep walking into becoming a communist country where those in charge aren’t concerned about the population so can do exactly as they want without any consultation.
That’s the plan and the people are letting it happen.
Moan moan moan moan moan
Moan when stuff doesnt get done, moan when things fail because they haven’t been done, moan because it takes a bit longer to get to work, moan because they have to drive a few more miles.
Booooooooorrriiiiiiiiiinnnnnggggggg
Zog you obviously do fuck all on the island. I bet you sit in your window and watch the buses go by.