St Helens parish councillors and Isle of Wight Council ward members have welcomed the news that the re-opening of the Mill Path on St Helens Causeway has been brought forward to early July 2018, from the permitted and publicised date of 31st October.
As previously reported by Island Echo, redevelopment of buildings by a private landowner has meant that the Causeway footpath at Mill Road was due to be closed for 6 months this year from 1st April. However, council officers agreed with the landowner’s representatives that the path should remain closed for the initial works, but that this closure time could be a lot shorter.
It was originally said that the footpath would open in June, but that date has now been pushed back to July.
St Helens Parish Council Chair Joe Robertson said:
“There has been considerable progress, ahead of the original schedule, following the concerns raised by the Parish Council and local ward members and we hope the Causeway will be fully open, for residents and visitors, early in July, and well ahead of the summer holiday season”.
St Helens Parish Council Vice Chair John Coleman added:
“The renovation work will help protect the causeway in the long-term and we are working, with the owners and local Historical Society, to have an open day to highlight the history of the Mill, including installation of a permanent information plaque”.
The Parish Council, with local Isle of Wight Councillors, are planning an information evening on Wednesday 29th August, with a presentation from Island Roads, to discuss the restoration of the existing bridges along the Causeway.
Councillor Michael Murwill added:
“We’d like to thank the Parish Council and all those involved in ensuring the causeway is open considerably earlier than planned, and with other projects being pursued, provide longer term security for residents and visitors”.
Councillor Brian Tyndall concluded:
“This has been a partnership effort, especially with the owners, to bring forward the opening date, recognising there may be the odd day when extra work is required; it also ensures the longer term viability of the Causeway, together with the project for the restoration of the bridges will ensure this vital link is protected for future generations”.
