Locals are calling for urgent action over a treacherous section of the revetment between Sandown and Shanklin.
Slippery ‘slime’ covering the pathway near The Salix Cafe has reportedly caused at least 5 people to fall in recent days.
Yesterday (Thursday), a gentleman slipped and injured his arm.
Other casualties are understood to have suffered injuries including a broken collarbone and head injuries.
Recent heavy rainfall is thought to be contributing to the problem, with water running off the cliff and across the pathway.
Concerns are now being raised about the lack of action to make the area safe or properly warn pedestrians of the danger.
The Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads are being urged to inspect the revetment and take immediate action before somebody is seriously injured, or worse.
One concerned resident has said:
“There have been several incidents here in the last few days. It is very dangerous, and a fatality is waiting to happen.”
A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council has told Island Echo:
“Isle of Wight Council is aware of concerns regarding slippery conditions on the revetment between Sandown and Shanklin and takes reports of falls and injuries extremely seriously.
“The coastal environment is subject to changing weather, tidal and groundwater conditions, which can occasionally create temporary hazards. The Council undertakes routine inspections and maintenance of its coastal assets and provides warning signage where appropriate to help inform members of the public of potential risks.
“Following concerns regarding groundwater crossing the promenade near the Salix Café, the Council recently installed approximately 15 metres of safety railing adjacent to the slipway to help reduce risk in this location.
“Officers will continue to monitor conditions and consider whether any additional measures are required. Members of the public are advised to take extra care, particularly following periods of heavy rainfall when surfaces may become wet or slippery.
“Anyone wishing to report a highway or public realm safety concern can do so through the Council’s usual reporting channels.”
Health and Safety Isle
Lol
Why don’t people just be more careful. “A fatality is waiting to happen”, really, come on, just be bloody careful when walking on wet surfaces, jeeeeez woke woke woke.
What about elderly persons who may not see it or
children who might run and slip.
The problem needs making SAFE!
Health and Safety on the island is shite.
Take out a summons against the Council & Island Roads for lack of care and maintenance of the revetment and walkway plus a lack of handrails for due care .
Lol. No wonder this country is going to the dogs. Its the beach. There are high tides, it rains, things get wet.
I mean great if you want even higher council tax, sue the council. But you want a cotton wool society where no one is ever at risk, there are handrails down the middle of every pavement, speed limits are 10mph or something. Get a grip.
Great idea 20mph is plenty though.
Totally agree There has to be personal responsibility for your own safety. What do people want? Its a beach. To make it 100% safe you would have to close the revetment.
There are handrails
Becoming more and more a nanny state. People do need to take some responsibility when things go wrong. Most people know that if you are by the sea and an area is wet there is a good chance it will be slippery. Next we’ll be asking the council to blow dry the roads after a downpour…
Anyone got a long handled stiff brush, can they they pop down and deal with the problem please?
sadly “not in the tick box for workers”;but the obvious bloody answer!