Local businesses on Shanklin Esplanade have blasted Island Roads for cordoning off around 15 car parking spaces during the busy half term period.
Motorists struggled to find a space to park yesterday (Wednesday) as a result of the works at Esplanade Gardens car park beside the popular summer arcade.
According to business owners, the fencing that was used to close off the area had been sat at the side of the car park for around 2 weeks, but it was decided to start the work during the middle of one of the busiest weeks this side of the summer holidays.
One frustrated local told Island Echo:
“After the recent resurfacing works which severely impacted all business on the Esplanade they’re going to do more works, which is restricting access and car parking numbers in the middle of a half term week.
“It’s a ridiculous time to do it when the car park is full”.
A spokesperson for Island Roads has today said:
“It was necessary to cordon off around 15 spaces from Wednesday lunchtime for the rest of the day in order to carry out work to prevent the car park becoming muddied following the recent wet weather. The car park was open as normal on Thursday morning.
Article continues below this advertisement “The work was to clear away debris from a temporary drainage system put in place during the recent resurfacing of the car park.
“We will return to install a permanent drainage system next week. This work is scheduled to take place over a maximum of six days and will require us to cordon off several car parking spaces as we complete each section. No more than a few spaces will be lost at any one time.
“We would like to repeat our thanks to local businesses and residents for the support and understanding we have received during the recent improvement works on the Esplanade”.
