Statement from Councillor Ed Blake, Ventnor and St Lawrence
Legal Battle - Bath Road, Ventnor
“For over a year, we have been told that there has been an ongoing legal dispute between the Isle of Wight Council and the landowner regarding the collapsed wall that has closed Bath Road. We were led to believe that this matter was being heard in the Magistrates Court. However, we have now learned that this is not the case and that a case was only submitted to the courts within the last month.”
A Council officer has confirmed to Councillor Ed Blake, member for Ventnor and St Lawrence, that there has been a significant delay in legal proceedings.
“The claims made in public meetings that the Isle of Wight Council has been actively pursuing the landowner to repair the wall and reopen the road have proven to be false. For over a year, the Council has failed to act, instead relying on the false narrative that the landowner was holding the town to ransom.”
“In situations like this, responsibility lies with the Cabinet Member for Highways, Councillor Phil Jordan. The closure of this key road has had a significant impact on both residents and businesses along the seafront and surrounding areas. This delay is entirely unacceptable.”
ENDS