PHOTOS: SHOCKING EXTENT OF MASSIVE LANDSLIDE IN VENTNOR REVEALED – LAND CONTINUES TO COLLAPSE

Daylight has revealed the shocking extent of a massive landslide in Ventnor that has completely reshaped the landscape and has seen around 20 households evacuated amid fears the properties could collapse. Aerial photos captured by Island Echo show the true scale of the slip at Bonchurch, which occurred shortly before 21:30 last night (Sunday). The major land movement – described as horrific by those affected – has seen the Smuggler’s Haven car park and toilet block destroyed and has left nearby homes teetering on the edge. A car is now marooned on an isolated piece of land that was once part of the tea room car park. The whole area has changed beyond recognition but it is only now, with the advantage of daylight, that authorities can begin to fully assess the impact. The area remains very unstable with further slippages witnessed and new cracks appearing this morning.

As first reported by Island Echo, Police descended on the Leeson Road area after HM Coastguard received a 999 call from concerned residents. It had been reported that houses were at risk, prompting the deployment of senior officers. Upon arrival at the scene, Police were met with a significant void in the area around Smuggler’s Haven, which was still moving, with at least 1 property losing around 40m of garden. The majority of those evacuated overnight have chosen to stay with family and friends, with temporary accommodation – arranged through the Isle of Wight Council – provided for those who are unable to do so. A temporary place of shelter was established at Daish’s Hotel in Shanklin during the early hours of this morning for those displaced to meet and receive assistance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_32yV7xvlI An elderly woman and her dog, who said she was in a dazed state, are among those evacuated with self-doubt about whether she will return to any property left at all. Another local resident has described the situation as ‘horrific’ and says he isn’t sure he will still have a house standing today. Leeson Road remains closed this morning and will remain so until further notice. An emergency hard road closure is in place from Shanklin Old Village through to St Boniface Road, Ventnor. This means that all traffic is being routed through Wroxall and Whiteley Bank, including Southern Vectis’ Route 3 buses.

This week’s landslide comes just weeks after footpaths were closed in The Landslip area following a significant landslip. Coastal Path V66 was closed alongside footpaths V65, V65a, V65b, V65c and V67. Back in June, the famous Devil’s Chimney was closed too due to the movement of the concrete steps and 2 landslides in the area. Now it is feared it may have been lost altogether. Officials are concerned that over the coming weeks, further problems could arise on the Island as it takes around 2-4 months for water to seep through the ground. This means it is likely we are now seeing the result of August’s unseasonably wet weather which saw around 110mm of rainfall recorded in that month. September was somewhat drier but a further 64mm was recorded. October saw a massive 250mm of rainfall on the Island with another 200mm in November too – suggesting the risk of further landslides is high moving into the early part of 2024. The Bonchurch Landslip was mostly formed during large landslides in 1810 and 1818, with the Victorians transforming the area into a woodland beauty spot. Over the years the land has continued to change, but this could be the most significant slip in well over 100 years. It’s unclear if the Devil’s Chimney, the Clink or the Wishing Seat have survived this latest fall. The Isle of Wight Council is advising residents to stay away from the area until further notice. Anyone affected by this incident should contact the Council helpline on 01983 823111.