New drone footage has been released that reveals the extent of the damage to the seawall at Ventnor, which has severed a coastal connection to the village of Bonchurch.
As previously reported by Island Echo, emergency works have temporarily stabilised the area — though the revetment between Ventnor and Bonchurch is not likely to reopen to the public until the end of next winter.
With the revetment now stabilised, the Isle of Wight Council’s next priority is to make urgent repairs to maintain the seawall and restore the esplanade to prevent further damage.
The extent of that damage has been revealed in the drone footage below which has given engineers an invaluable opportunity to examine the defences at close quarters. The apron is almost 60 years old and not easily accessible.
The video shows severely corroded steel sheet piles, punctured with large holes and extensive voiding, allowing the tide to undermine the revetment that usually sees hundreds of people walking, cycling and running along it every day.
The council is set to carry out further inspections and surveys to obtain vital information to help develop the next phase of works.
It has been confirmed that long-term funding has been secured from DEFRA with an estimated total expenditure likely of around £50million over the course of the next several years. However, following the recent public meeting, residents have been left in no doubt that the construction of a long-term solution is not expected to begin until 2028.
The gibion sales person will be along soon
And Ivy blaming immigrants.
Sheet piling was never designed to last long in a salt water environment. I suspect it was originally done on the cheap.
And so will the replacement
If you had attended the meeting you would not say that. We are incredibly fortunate to have that sort of funding for this and the initial immediate Emergency Works prevented a catastrophe. The speakers were genuine and dedicated in their objective to deliver the facts.The workforce have been out there in the most bitter weather. I for one, am grateful.
Gabion cages would placed at an early stage would have limited further damage.
The energy of the waves would be reduced and taken by the rocks incased in stainless steel cages.
When work was to begin, the cages could be lifted easily by crane to allow easy and quick access.
So mock, but Gabion cages are the way forward with erosion and land slippage.
We all get the point
Is it a 10% commission.
Very much looks to me the ‘birds have come home to roost’ – meaning years of failure to maintain – now how often do we hear/ read about that one?
A repair will now cost millions instead of a few thousand each year.
Total incompetent management of public funds – our taxes.