A park and ride scheme (from Simeon Rec, to Appley Beach) and alternative parking, paid for by Southern Water, are being considered as ways to make what is expected to be a busy summer season in Ryde run more smoothly.

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The utility firm is working to fix a major problem with the town's main sewer.

The pipe takes waste from 27,000 homes in Ryde, Nettlestone and Binstead, pumping 900 litres - almost a tonne - of water every second, to the Sandown treatment works.

A huge 'over pump' is in place, running along the pavement, from Appley to Ryde Canoe Lake, bypassing the problem sewage pipe, which caused a sinkhole to open up in January.

Isle of Wight County Press: Keith Herbert, area manager for Southern Water at the Ryde over pump.

Keith Herbert, area manager for Southern Water at the Ryde over pump.

Keith Herbert, Isle of Wight area manager for Southern Water, told the County Press: "I would like to apologise for everyone affected by this.

"We recognise it is one of the Island's most popular beaches and we're doing everything we can to fix what's wrong - and be on our way as quickly as possible.

"We have found a way of bypassing the broken pipe.

"We're in the process of understanding the magnitude of why it's failed, what sections have failed and how long it's going to take to repair."

The equipment, which you can't have failed to notice if you have visited Appley Beach in recent weeks, is on hire.

It is costing Southern Water £25,000 per week, not including the water tankers brought in to keep the pipe flowing.

The fix is expected to cost £2.5 million by the time it is complete.

It is the biggest project on the Isle of Wight in a decade and Keith Herbert says everything is being done to minimise its impact.

He said: "For the people who want to come and use the beach, we're reviewing our footprint on a daily basis and trying to open up as much as possible.

"It's not safe to open the road, or Appley car park at the moment, because of the volume of construction traffic."

With a busy and looming summer season, post Covid-19 lockdown, Southern Water says it is looking at ways to make sure beach life continues.

Alternative parking, or even a park and ride are on the the table.

Keith Herbert said: "We want to see the beaches full and people enjoying themselves in the sunshine."