What next for Ventnor property following the landslide?

Land behind a property at The Grove tumbled down when a retaining wall collapsed on Saturday afternoon.

The property was evacuated and the area cordoned off, but there are fears for more movement, with further rain forecast.

It is currently being established who owns the land — a property owner in The Grove, or St Catherine's School above.

An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said “An officer from Building Control visited the scene on Saturday evening at the request of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to attend the incident.

“Following an assessment of the situation, the area next to the main property affected, which is now unoccupied, is currently being treated with caution and may be unstable and will require further expert analysis.

"In addition, the section of collapsed wall adjacent to a second property is considered at the moment to be in a more stable condition, having the benefit of a further reinforced concrete wall, believed to have been constructed around 25 years ago, and which is affording additional stability.

“As the landslip has occurred on private land, the Isle of Wight Council will be working with the landowner, once this has been established, to monitor for any other movement in the coming days and weeks as further rain is forecast.

Emergency services vehicles in the car park adjacent to The Grove on Saturday.

“The authority is advising input from a geotechnical engineer before any work and debris removal is carried out.”

Two people were evacuated from the first floor of the building after the landslide.