Due to the closure of Kemming Road and Rectory Road between Niton and Whitwell for roadworks, short notice changes have been implemented to some Southern Vectis services starting tomorrow (Thursday).
As there is no suitable diversion available to Route 6, all journeys on Route 6 will start and finish in Niton (Buddle Inn), running between Newport and Niton only for both tomorrow and Friday. As a result there will only be a limited bus service between Niton, Whitwell and Ventnor for the duration of the road closure provided by the Island Coaster bus route.
Alternative arrangements for School Routes 311, 315 and 318 have been made with services running to revised routes and times. Alternative arrangements for Special Education Needs transport will be communicated directly to the parents concerned.
The Island Coaster bus service will divert via Rookley and may run up to 20 minutes later than scheduled as a result of the lengthy diversion. Island Coaster buses will depart Whitwell for Niton and Yarmouth at approximately 10:25, 11:25, 13:55 and 17:25. Island Coaster buses will depart Niton for Whitwell, Ventnor and Ryde at approximately 10:53, 13:23, 15:23, 16:53 and 17:53.
Since the works were confirmed as going ahead on the evening of Thursday 17th April, Southern Vectis have approached Island Roads and Isle of Wight Council to highlight the inconvenience the roadworks will cause to bus passengers and to determine whether alternative transport arrangements can be made for bus users between Niton, Whitwell and Ventnor. At present Southern Vectis are waiting to hear back from Island Roads.
Further details on the road closure can be obtained from Island Roads by calling 01983 822 440, further details on bus services can be obtained at www.islandbuses.info or by calling 01983 827 000.
Details on school bus diversions:
Route 311 will start from Chale on normal route but on revised times until Niton, then divert via Rookley & Godshill to Whitwell where it will go back onto normal route and times.
Route 315 will start additionally from East Appleford Cottages and Kingates Barn to pick up 318 students, then operate Route 315 on normal route and times from Niton (New Road), but additionally collecting students from Niton who would normally use Route 318 who will need to wait at New Road, not Rectory Road. Route 315 students from Whitwell should use either Route 318 or 320 from Whitwell Church.
Route 318 will operate normal route and times until Whitwell Church then operate via Godshill and Rookley to school. It will also collect the 315 students from Whitwell.
Further information such as a revised timetable can be found at https://vectisblue.islandbuses.info/service-updates/.
Photograph thanks to Shane Thornton
