Work to begin on-site at road closed by rockfall

The road has been closed since damage caused in March

Residents can expect to see "more on-site activity" on a road which remains closed following a rockfall in March, a council has said.

Isle of Wight Council said it had completed much of the design and investigation work on Belgrave Road, in Ventnor, which is covered with large boulders and debris.

The council said once consent was secured it could begin work to remove the rocks and install protective netting to prevent further collapses.

The council hopes the road can be re-opened to pedestrians by early November.

Residents and business owners protested against the road closure on 6 September, saying they were frustrated by how long it was taking to reopen.

The first phases of the work, which the council hopes to begin in October, will see netting installed to prevent further debris falling onto the road from the remaining rockface.

Meanwhile the debris on the road will be removed by hand. Some of the larger rocks will be broken down using a chemical demolition process, which reduces the need for heavy machinery.

After the road is reopened, repairs will then be made on the steps area and Esplanade Road, which have also been damaged.

Island Roads will carry out the works alongside local contractors.

Residents have protested against the road closure on the island

Isle of Wight Council thanked the local community for their "patience".

They said: "We have already undertaken the required survey and design work and we will be ready to mobilise very quickly as soon as the technical approval is received.

"We are looking forward to the clearance work beginning soon and we will endeavour to complete the work and restore access as soon as we possibly can.

"Residents however must understand that this is a challenging site and project and while we have given the current timescale in good faith, it is subject to change. We will, of course keep residents updated throughout the work."