Yesterday evening, the landscape of the Isle of Wight changed forever following a major landslip a few metres from the A3055 Bonchurch Road.
https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/23982228.two-isle-wight-main-roads-ventnor-will-closed/
Gardens collapse and cafe 'hanging on' after large Bonchurch landslip
Emergency services have remained on scene overnight.
www.countypress.co.uk
To make matters worse, the road to Wroxall has also been shut for emergency repairs, leaving the road to Whitwell as the only vehicular access point to Ventnor. This means a lengthy diversion via Godshill for anyone trying to get to Shanklin.Around 20 properties have been evacuated, 'several' gardens have collapsed, and a tearoom is 'hanging on' following a large landslip in Bonchurch near Ventnor on the Isle of Wight.
Part of the main road between Shanklin and Ventnor remains closed, meaning a lengthy diversion is in place.
Emergency services have remained on scene overnight and are still in attendance in the Leeson Road area this morning (Monday).
https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/23982228.two-isle-wight-main-roads-ventnor-will-closed/
Southern Vectis route 3 is unable to serve Ventnor at all, instead making a double run to Wroxall and back before following service 2's route to Shanklin. A shuttle bus is operating between Sanford Garage (near Godshill) to Ventnor via Whitwell, although Southern Vectis is recommending passengers from Newport use the slower but direct route 6. With a town almost cut off from the outside world in this way, having lost Undercliff Drive several years ago, it poses many tough questions regarding the viability of Ventnor in the long term, as well as the short term implications of businesses losing passing trade. I wonder how long it will be before somebody suggests reopening the railway tunnel for vehicular traffic?A road closure on the junction of Newport Road and Ocean View Road in Ventnor will mean a huge diversion for motorists, due to the diversion already in place on Leeson Road.
Southern Water is to close Newport Road, near the Graben, to repair a damaged sewer.
It is after a dip in the road appeared earlier, and debris gathered at a drain.
It has coincided with the closure of Leeson Road, due to the landslide at Bonchurch.
That represents a huge diversion for motorists travelling from Shanklin.
The diversion will now take in Whiteley Bank, Godshill and Whitwell.
Meanwhile, Southern Vectis buses also face diversions.
It had already warned services could not serve stops between Shanklin Daish hotel and Chimney Steps, until further notice. The nearest stops were Trinity Church or Shanklin Library.
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