Road closure shortened to allow walkers access onto downs

The road closure in place for safety reasons following the major landslide off Leeson Road at Bonchurch has been shortened.

The move, agreed by the Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads, has seen the car park at the far end of Smugglers Haven re-opened and the barriers moved enough to allow walkers access to Nansen Hill and onto the downs.

The car park is not in an area geological experts believe may be at risk of movement.

However, the road closure remains in effect from the signs lower down Leeson Road at the junction with Bonchurch Shute.

This will remain shut until the necessary ground investigations have been completed. The data from these investigation will be considered, along with the data from the recently installed monitoring equipment, to reach a decision on the safety implications of re-opening the road.

Michelle Love, service director for highways and community protection, said: “The road closure is in place to allow for the monitoring equipment to record sufficient data to allow Island Roads and the council to make an informed decision about the safe reopening of the road in the future.

"The situation is under constant review however and, after careful consideration, we are now pleased to be able to provide access to the car park and Nansen Hill.

“While this will have no major impact on traffic movement through the area, it does however open up walking opportunities along popular routes.

"While we know residents and visitors will make use of this renewed access, we would like to remind people to be aware of their surroundings and not put themselves, or others, at risk while they explore areas around the Island.’’