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Six Months Of Works On Ventnor's 'Spyglass Wall' Starts This Month

Six months of work on a historic wall in Ventnor starts later this month (November).

Island Roads is strengthening the wall on the seafront, behind the Spyglass Inn. It means, from November 14, the Esplanade will be closed between the Spyglass and La Falaise car park – which will remain accessible via Bath Road.

Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

The wall supports the Esplanade as it rises up towards La Falaise Car Park.

As part of the project, the existing stone parapet wall will also be rebuilt to match that opposite. The work location lies within a Conservation Area and the project has been approved by the Isle of Wight Council’s conservation team.

The project has been programmed to take place after the summer season at the request of the Spyglass Inn which will remain open throughout the project.

Senior project manager Jason Boulter said:

“The project will strengthen and repair around 90 metres of this retaining wall that has supported the Esplanade since at least the 1860s.

“It is a scheme that will combine very modern engineering techniques - including the installation of nearly 80 anchors to strengthen the wall – with traditional stonework as it is important to preserve the historic character of the area as well as to secure the integrity of the Esplanade at this location.

“We would like to thank the Spyglass Inn for their assistance and support so far.”

Work will start on November 14 and is scheduled to last up to six months.

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