The Isle of Wight’s oldest tourist attraction says it could face closure due to a loss of revenue, complaints and disruption caused by the sudden closure of Chine Hollow, with the attraction’s manager blasting a ‘distinct lack of communication’ over the situation.
As reported by Island Echo earlier today (Thursday), the footpath between the Old Village and Luccombe has been closed by Island Roads due to concerns over an unsafe wall and a partial landslip on the opposite side of the carriageway.
The closure came into force last week and it is already having a massive effect on Shanklin Chine, Rylestone Gardens and visitors to the many hotels and apartments in Luccombe.
Now, Jo Porter, the operations manager of Shanklin Chine, has said that they could face closure due to a loss of revenue, complaints and the disruption caused to visitors trying to visit. She says that the situation could have been managed better by posting alternative routes, pre-warning visitors etc..
Jo says there has been a distinct lack of communication between all parties and a lack of respect to neighbourhood businesses.
Speaking about the situation, Jo has this afternoon said:
“We had a meeting with Island Roads the day after we saw the road closure. During the meeting we agreed to arrange and pay for vegetation on Oakley’s side (King Harry’s Bar) to be removed and cleared in Chine Hollow to allow access and re-open the road. This worK was undertaken on Friday 4th August and completed by 4pm. Island Roads refused to re-open Chine Hollow due to communication from the Isle of Wight Council. It was said the fascine was dangerous to the public due to the height of the wall.”
Article continues below this advertisement “On Tuesday 8th August we had confirmation from the Isle of Wight Council regarding the enforcement. A Green King (The Crab) surveyor contacted the Isle of Wight Council and confirmed the wall is a dangerous structure therefore road closed.
“We completely appreciate that the wall may be dangerous and of course safety must come first. All we are asking for is that barriers be erected along the wall line to allow access to The Chine from the Old Village entrance.”
It’s said that during a meeting with Island Roads it was stated that Shanklin Chine has alternative routes, so they are ‘not directly affected’ by the closure.
A statement is expected from Island Roads – with approval from the Isle of Wight Council – later today. Island Echo asked for a statement on Tuesday.
Shanklin Chine can still be accessed from the Luccombe side of Chine Hollow and from the bottom of the chine at the Esplanade.
An Island Roads spokesperson has said:
“Following the significant collapse of a section of a retaining wall and also the real risk of further movement on another section which is currently being supported, we have closed the footpath in the interests of public safety.
“The supported wall is in private ownership and we are aware that the owner is in discussions with the IW Council with a view to making the repairs as soon as possible. However as this historic wall is a listed structure, planning processes need to be followed before the landowner can undertake the work.
“As soon as the site is made safe or we can confirm the support is sufficient, then we will, of course, be able to re-open this footpath.”
Loss of revenue is probably down to them no longer accepting cash….
What is going on? This is their livelihood, “loss of revenue down to them no longer taking cash” absolute load of crap, they didn’t cause this??
They didn’t cause the roadworks but they are totally responsible for deciding it was easier for them to not accept cash.
6 adult admissions and 4 children admission tickets missing from their coffers from my family alone this year as we will not be told cash in no longer legal tender by the likes of them.
Serves them right.
I use to visit this attraction with my family,
never again since they refused my hard earned cash.
Did you not see its effecting Rylstone Tea Gardens as well, we do t just take cards we do cash!!! Their revenue is halved as well… That wall has bedn down since October by Pencil cottage and April the oak struts when in the other side it wasn’t to dangerous then why now? Stop carping on about stupid things and think the Island could lose 2 old attractions permanently. Silly “bodge the builder”!.
Cash is King, any business who does not accept Cash will not be getting
any of my hard earned cash.
Island roads are the new sheriff in town…… they think
Or maybe it’s for public safety. Leave it open and watch someone get injured – including one of the children the public get so worried will get hurt.
You lot will whinge about anything.
Come on IV Searle, you know this problem can be solved with GABION CAGES!!!!
Sadly Island Roads are a law unto themselves and the IOW Council who are supposed to be working for Island businesses and people really don’t give a dam.
Island Roads ….don’t get me started.
They just don’t do their job.
yes they do
They were supposed to resurface every road on the Island over a 7 year period. How’s that going?
Just take down the barriers and if they put them back, take them down again. They can’t enforce closing this road.
Used to wander down there was a nice afternoon, not any more as they stopped accepting CASH, CASH is king