A significant rockfall has added to the ongoing issues surrounding a Ventnor coastal road, with an uncertain timeline now in place regarding the future of the route.
Bath Road in Ventnor could remain closed for years, with the risk of a further collapse looming and a legal battle on the cards.
The latest issue involved a private wall collapsing and further blocking the adjacent Belgrave Road, which has hindered traffic in and out of the town over the past few years.
Island Roads has said the collapse is the responsibility of the landowner, with legal action mooted.
An Island Roads spokesperson said:
“The closure of Bath Road followed the collapse of a private wall and it is the responsibility of that private landowner to make the required repairs.
“The council is currently engaged in legal action to secure repairs which is delaying the ability to reopen this route in the town.
“Our view is that even if debris was cleared away, there remains a risk of a further collapse and until that risk is removed, the road should not be re-opened to the general public.”
The road – which runs from the Esplanade to Belgrave Road – was originally closed to traffic in October 2023 after a garden wall collapsed, with the road blocked by debris.
A statement from the Isle of Wight Council said:
"The Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads will continue to monitor this significant rockfall at Belgrave Road and will take all appropriate action to protect the public, extending the current road closure (Belgrave Road and Rex Steps) if necessary.
"There will then need to be a detailed assessment of the movement as this area is known to suffer from geological instability.
"Island Roads and the council will then work towards determining what action is required to ensure the safety of the area with the intention of removing the fallen rocks and re-opening the road at the earliest opportunity.
"As always, this will be done when we are sure no further imminent movement is likely at this location.
"Island Roads will also be contacting the private owners of the rockface to discuss their role in this process.
"Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council has every sympathy with Ventnor residents who once again face inconvenience due to the town’s unique geological features.
"We can assure them we will be working with the Island Roads to resolve this issue as soon as possible."
Measures in place may now see the road closure extended if necessary.
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