Another section of seawall collapses on Isle of Wight
It follows Storm Noa last month where gusts of 96mph were recorded at the Needles
Last updated 11th May 2023
Another part of the seawall has collapsed along a popular Isle of Wight seafront walkway.
Following the strong winds in Storm Noa last month— which reached gusts of 96.9mph at the Needles — more damage has been caused to the Eastern Cliffs Esplanade, in Ventnor.
The seafront walk from Ventnor to Bonchurch has already been restricted, but there could now be further delays before the route opens fully again.
The lower apron of the walkway has ‘collapsed entirely’ into the sea, Tash Dix, the Isle of Wight Council’s strategic manager for the environment revealed last week.
Speaking at the neighbourhood and regeneration scrutiny committee, Ms Dix said the further damage has complicated matters and there may be some delays.
The wall along Eastern Cliffs Esplanade was constructed in 1955 and provides flood and coastal erosion protection to Ventnor.
Over 65 years later, there are many holes in it and material has been washed out, increasing the risk of erosion and landslips.
The first major problem occurred in November, when the revetment first failed, collapsing inwards.
It uncovered and undermined a raw sewage pipe, Ms Dix said, and led to fears the pipe may break or fracture, releasing its contents into the water.
The council filled the void with specially engineered rock bags but announced it would keep the esplanade shut for the rest of the year so more work could be done.
Emergency works were completed, as agreed with the Environment Agency, moving onto a stage of urgent works when the lower apron collapsed at the end of April.
The authority has been working on plans to prevent more damage and provide longer-term protection to the walkway.
A licence for the urgent repair works is currently being sought by the council from the Marine Management Organisation.
It is thought the further work would take 30 weeks to complete and is hoped to be started straightaway, ahead of the winter.
Under the licence, the council could have until the end of January next year to complete the works.
The site is being monitored on a daily basis.
Another community meeting is proposed with residents, the coastal team and Ventnor Town Council.
The council is asking residents to respect the construction site fencing and not attempt to enter the dangerous area.
There is an inland diversion from Ventnor to Wheeler’s Bay.