Fears that celebrated coastal road could collapse into sea
ONE of Britain’s most scenic coastal roads may have to be rerouted as part of it is in danger of collapsing into the sea, campaigners fear.
Concerns have been raised that the Isle of Wight’s Military Road will have to be diverted after a “void” opened next to it, perilously close to the cliff edge. Uncertainties surrounding the road were first highlighted two years ago when Visit England nominated it as one of the most picturesque in the country but warned it could vanish because it was at high risk of erosion.
Now, Philip Sheath, a drone operator, has released recent footage of vehicles driving just yards from the drop.
“I was shocked,” said Mr Sheath of the Facebook group Save Military Road IOW. “As a motorist you don’t realise how close you are to the edge. It’s only from the air that you can see it. It’s crazy. I could not believe it. You are one coach-width from going into the sea.”
After the video was posted online, a fresh debate began about the future of the 11-mile road linking St Catherine’s Point and Freshwater Bay.
Lisa Buck, the founder of the action group that now has more than 2,000 members, said Save Military Road IOW’S aim is to have the road “rerouted and preserved”.
A message from the group reads: “Together, we can raise our voices and ensure the future of this beloved Isle of Wight treasure.”
The “void” – which has forced the closure of a nearby footpath – was first reported earlier this month.
An investigation by Island Roads, which is responsible for the highway, found there was “no sign” of movement and “nothing to suggest” the road was in danger of imminent collapse.
‘It’s crazy, I could not believe it – you are one coach-width from going into the sea’
The firm said an underground retaining wall, designed to protect the road from erosion for about 50 years, was constructed in 2004.
However, in October, Isle of Wight council rejected a proposal by Island Roads for an 85ft-long wall to stabilise the area because of the possible environmental impact.
Phil Jordan, the leader of the council, said work was ongoing to find a suitable, viable and sustainable option to maintain the road.
A public meeting to discuss its future will take place on Feb 11.