Rockfall road closure sparks protest

Residents have been protesting how long it is taking to reopen Belgrave Road in Ventnor after a rockfall

Residents on the Isle of Wight say they are frustrated by how long it is taking to reopen a road blocked by a rockfall.

Debris and large boulders crashed onto Belgrave Road, in Ventnor, when part of the cliff face gave way in March.

A protest has been held by residents and business owners concerned "not enough is being done to get roads reopened".

Isle of Wight Council said it is "committed to completing the complex and specialist work as quickly and safely as possible". However, they confirmed a recent survey had identified "unstable sections of rock that could fall".

Protest organiser David Groocock said: "We are frustrated and tired, its affecting the whole community."

Mr Groocock said over the last two years there have had lots of road closures in Ventor.

"Guildford Road was closed last year for six months, Bath Road is still currently closed and that's been two years, Grove Road has also been shut for two years," he explained.

"We are all surprised and a little bit tired of all the excuses that the council and Island Roads come up with.

"Belgrave Road is the latest one and that's been closed now for seven months which is unbelievable."

A spokesperson for Isle of Wight Council said it was committed to completing specialist work

In July, Island Roads confirmed experts were visiting the site to assess the damage and develop the "best way" to remove debris.

Mr Groocock told BBC Radio Solent: "We are gathering up all the road closures in one and making a big protest about it.

"It has impacted businesses big time and the roads need to be reopened quickly, we are all frustrated."