One property has been evacuated and vehicular access to nine others has been severed as further land movement on Undercliff Drive prompts safety concerns.
Officers from the Isle of Wight Council visited the area this afternoon and alerted residents to the changing situation, giving them the opportunity to move their vehicles from the area prior to the closure.
One couple have been evacuated from their property after being advised to vacate the property following an inspection by building control officers from the Isle of Wight Council.
Residents of the other properties have been advised to consider whether they wish to remain in their homes given the closure of the road and lack of vehicle access for them, together with continual ground movement in the area.
Bill Murphy, head of planning and regulatory services, said:
“We have been closely monitoring the situation and liaising with residents since new cracks began to appear in the area earlier this week.
“Unfortunately the situation has developed rapidly and for reasons of safety we have taken the decision to close the road to vehicles.
“We have been liaising closely with residents over the past few days and are continuing to keep them updated of the situation and offer advice and support.”
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Measures put in place to assist with the situation have included the following:
- A 24 hour emergency phone number for affected residents.
- Building control officer inspections for affected properties.
- Regular inspections of the site by Island Roads staff, council officers and the coastal management team
- Assessments by the fire and rescue service should they – or other emergency services – need to access the area in an emergency.
- The fire service will assist with the moving of any vulnerable residents.
- Increased police patrols in the area and mobile and static CCTV.
- Emergency lighting erected in the area.
- Fencing erected to prevent public access to the affected area.
Councillor Steve Stubbings, deputy leader of the Isle of Wight Council and local member, said:
“This is a desperate situation for the residents involved and my heart goes out to them.
“We appreciate that this is an extremely anxious time for the people living in the affected area and are doing all we can to keep them informed of the rapidly developing situation and provide advice. The council and its partner agencies are continuing to work together to ensure the safety of residents in the area.”
Members of the public are advised to stay away from the area.
