Southern Water Graben works to start soon in Ventnor

Residents are reminded that important work by Southern Water to repair its infrastructure at Newport Road, Ventnor, will begin next week.

The start date of June 24 was agreed following discussions between the Isle of Wight Council, Southern Vectis, Southern Water and Island Roads, to ensure Southern Vectis had the capacity to provide bus services in and around the area — including shuttlebuses to serve St Francis Primary School pupils.

More information about home to school transport arrangements as well as shuttle bus services is available on the Southern Vectis website. Affected schools have already been contacted.

The work is scheduled to take two weeks and it follows feedback from the recent public meeting in Ventnor where it was felt it was best to undertake the required work as soon as possible rather than risk the situation becoming worse meaning more lengthy emergency works may be required later in the year, possibly at the height of the tourism season and without advance warning.

Though the location is a particularly difficult one, with five-metre deep excavations required, Southern Water will be working extended hours to keep the project on track — or ahead of schedule if at all possible.

Island Roads will also be undertaking inspections of the diversion route in advance of work starting to ensure the extra traffic can be accommodated safely.

Pedestrian access will be available past the works at all times. One side of the pavement will be closed for safety reasons and one side open to the public to use. Signs on site will direct people to which section of the pavement they should use.

An Island Roads spokesperson said: “While we acknowledge these works will inevitably cause some short-term disruption, residents can be assured all parties are working together to help minimise inconvenience.

“It is important that buses are able to provide services during this work, and following discussions with all parties it has been agreed this can best be done outside of the Isle of Wight Festival period, hence the decision to start work on 24 June.”

Southern Water has a communications plan in place to keep residents informed of developments in respect of work. This includes a letter drop to around 9,500 homes and also text alerts to residents.

A Southern Water spokesperson said: “We’re pleased to be working closely with Island Roads during our work to make sure we’re joint up and can minimise disruption. We know this work is inconvenient for residents, businesses and commuters — but it is essential we get this done ahead of the peak season.”

The council has also arranged for the concessionary travel scheme to be extended during the period of the closure, so that it includes the following journeys in either direction:

• 09:00 service 3x departing Ventnor Boots to Newport
• 08:55 service 6 departing Newport bus station to Ventnor

Richard Tyldsley, Southern Vectis general manager, said: “Working together with the Isle of Wight Council, Southern Water and Island Roads, we have arrived at a solution which will allow us to maintain these vital services.

“We’re pleased all those concerned have taken this ‘joined up’ approach, and that there is as little disruption as possible for those travelling with us over the next few weeks.”