UPDATE: Second landslip in two days on Isle of Wight
Several tonnes of rock and soil have been left on the beach
Last updated 24th Feb 2024
A road on the Isle of Wight has been closed following a landslide - the second on the island in the space of two days.
Council bosses have confirmed that emergency services were sent to the Zig Zag Road in Ventnor on Friday evening (February 23rd).
They have said the landfall took place at the rear of a private property, and is thought to be low risk.
There is currently no impact on the road, which will remain shut pending further review.
An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said:
“During the site visit, we engaged with residents to provide updates.
"Additionally, we have spoken with the owners of the property affected, who emphasise that the retaining wall failure occurred in January.
"While some additional material has come down, comprehensive surveys have been conducted, and engineering designs for repair are already in progress.
“We anticipate that more mud may move today; however, it is unlikely to cause any immediate issues.
“Our Council’s Building Control Team will conduct a site visit later today to further assess the area where possible."
It comes after several tonnes of rock and soil fell onto the seaside path at Totland, on the western side of the island, on Thursday evening.
The Isle of Wight Council has put up barriers to close the pathway and advised members of the public to be careful on seaside paths.
Concern has been raised recently for the nearby scenic Military Road which has come closer to the sea edge following other landfalls.
A spokesman said: "Walkers have been warned to avoid an area of promenade near Totland following a large cliff fall.
"The landslide happened yesterday evening (Thursday) leaving tonnes of rock and soil strewn across the sea wall and beach, just north of Totland pier.
"The pathway has been closed and the Isle of Wight Council is advising people to observe the barriers and signage and to stay away from the debris which is not safe.
"A further section of the promenade between the Waterfront pub and Widdick Chine has also been closed off following the discovery of voids beneath the path."
Natasha Dix, the council's service director for environment, said:
"Following our recent inspections, we believe it is not safe for people to be walking on this section of the wall until we have a clear idea of the extent of the damage.
"We would like to continue to remind the community that we are still in a very wet and stormy period in which there will be rockfalls, cliff falls and increased landslide risk.
"We would advise the community to stay alert to these risks when at the coast and staying away from potentially dangerous parts of the coastline."