Island Roads has issued an update on the ongoing project to improve Rene Howe Walk (the Cascades) in Ventnor, with confirmation that it will not re-open tomorrow (Friday) as planned. The project involves installing new safety railings that meet modern safety standards and which also respect the unique character of Ventnor. Rene Howe Walk is also being completely resurfaced. An Island Roads spokesperson has said:
“The Rene Howe Walk scheme remains on track to be completed by the Easter weekend, however, we are disappointed to announce that the walkway will not reopen this Friday as previously communicated. “The bespoke handrails are made on the island but then need to go to a mainland facility to be galvanised and unfortunately a breakdown at this facility has led to a delay in delivery. “It is disappointing as the works had been progressing so well, despite the extremely challenging weather conditions experienced, and particularly as we had been able to give the local community such a positive update about the works at the public meeting at St Catherine’s Church last week. “We have explored alternative suppliers for the railings to be galvanised, but with shipping times and pre-existing orders factored in, unfortunately this is not possible. We are in regular conversation with our supplier and are urging them to prioritise our works so that we can install the remaining railings and complete the scheme ahead of Easter. “We will of course keep the local community informed.”
Sorry, but that tarmac looks like something some cowboy would come and put on your driveway.
Yes, I know it was tarmac previously, but surely this would have been an ideal opportunity to improve on that?
And, it’s taken them how many months to do this?
Why oh why is everyone always moaning! They didn’t just slap tarmac over the top for your information. Perhaps you’d like to show them how to do it as you’re such an expert?
Catherine is right. They could have built an attractive walkway rather than slapping a lump of tarmac down. This island is all about tourism and making a good impression matters. If a lump of tarmac is the best Island Roads can do, then we are doomed. Island Roads are ruining the island.
I agree. Surely a finish that was as charming as the rest of it could have been found. The tarmac is so ‘in your face’ one doesn’t really see much else.
It’s the best Fluor & water mix, own special recipe.. (like KFC) guaranteed to last at least 24hrs with no rain, minus temps and no footfall
How much did that cost ?? Don’t really matter as it will all be coming up . Hopeless ..
Is Rene Howe Walk named after Rene Howe who used to play for Torquay United? He wasn’t that good!
They could of used limestone slabs rather than tarmac (like Ryde High St) it would have been lethal in the wet but hey, would of looked more aestetic
Tarmac is probably less slippery on such a steep slope. One moment complaining of wasting money the next complaining of not wasting enough.
that was my point , sarcasm, anyone complaining about tarmac hasnt walked down Ryde High St in the rain
I am an occasional visitor. Give the Council a break. What do you want? York Stone flags or cobbles at 20 times the cost. A decent surface which is safe is just fine.
You’re an “occasional visitor”. The rest of us have to live with it and would prefer it to look charming.
If its island roads then give it another year before they reopen. They’ll find something else wrong or botch something else up in the meantime
Perhaps they should have used the tarmac elsewhere to fill in some potholes!!!