Local residents and members of St Helen’s Parish Council have raised urgent concerns about the proposed closure of the footpath between The Duver and St Helens Mill from Monday morning until the end of October 2018.
The proposed closure, during the peak summer season, would affect tourism, residents and visitors to the village, as well as impact on the local economy. If things go ahead as planned, the popular route will be closed from 08:00 on Monday morning for more than 6 months.
Joe Robertson, Parish Council Chairman has said:
“We appreciate the importance of the proposed restoration work, but are seriously concerned about the disruption that will result from the proposed closure and the impact this will have on the local economy, and we are seeking urgent discussions with all parties involved”.
Deputy Parish Chairman, John Coleman, adds:
“As soon as the Parish Council were aware of the proposals we called on the Isle of Wight Council, Rights of Way and Island Roads to review the plans, and we have put forward suggestions to mitigate the impact, or provide an alternative route for pedestrians and footpath users”.
The Parish Council hope to secure a meeting with all parties involved before the 16th April 2018 and are working with Isle of Wight Council Officers, and the local ward members, in an attempt to ensure the concerns of the community are taken into consideration before any restoration work starts that impacts on the opening of the Footpath.
Cllr Robertson has gone on to say:
“The Parish Council are grateful for the support we have received, from the Community for the actions we have taken, and, working with Council Officers and members, we will continue to work to achieve a way forward that enables the restoration work to continue whilst mitigating the impact of what is proposed: we are hopeful that a constructive meeting may achieve an outcome that everyone can live with”.
The Isle of Wight Council say that the closure has been advertised on the Council’s website since February 2018.
Cllr Dave Stewart, leader of the Isle of Wight Council said:
“The landowner already has planning approval for the development, and has consent to close the path to undertake the works, but we will be exploring options to reduce the impact on local walkers, especially as this closure would happen during the summer season.”
