Around the clock monitoring of Belgrave Road in Ventnor continues this week as the Isle of Wight Council await the collapse of the road, or for the ground movement to stablise.
Council officials say that safety continues to be their foremost priority and, in response to both the ongoing movement of the wall and because people have entered the site over the weekend, they reinforced the road closure by erecting steel fencing.
The extra fencing is not only to keep people out, but also offers properties below the site, backing on to Esplanade Road, some additional protection from falling debris. Pedestrian access along the footpath at Belgrave Road has also been closed in the interests of safety.
As previously reported by Island Echo, 1 property was evacuated over the weekend over fears it could be damaged by falling debris, should there be a further and substantial collapse of the retaining wall. The council say they will continue to liaise with residents as the situation progresses.
It is said that it is neither safe nor practical for the authority to take any steps to intervene at this stage. Engineers need to wait for the movement to stabilise before they can undertake more detailed investigations and determine possible solutions.
Island Roads staff remain on-site around the clock to monitor developments and, together with the Isle of Wight Council, will take whatever measures are necessary in the interests of public safety while the wall remains in danger of further collapse.
Members of the public are being asked to respect the road closures in place and to not put themselves at risk by entering the area.
If anyone has any concerns they can contact Island Roads on 01983 822440 or by email to [email protected].
Without any remedial action “collapse” seems to be the most likely outcome of the two.
Gabion walls is the answer here. Time they have ’round the clock monitoring’ for a decade, could have built the cages filled them with rocks and job done. Great home for lizards too.