WORKS to repair a collapsed sewer at Appley have finally come to an end, Southern Water has confirmed.

It means Appley Long Stay Car Park, North Walk and Garden Walk are all set to fully reopen at the weekend, and it has been a long time coming.

While repairs at the site of the original collapsed pipe were completed back in November, 2021, work continued in order to "futureproof the system".

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Southern Water said it needed to bring outdated 1980s pipework, which takes waste from 27,000 homes in Ryde, Nettlestone, and Binstead, up to scratch.

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In January, 2021, a small hole appeared in a pathway above the sewer and Southern Water started work to repair it.

The impact on the local area and businesses at Appley was substantial, disrupting use of one of the Island’s most popular family beaches and parks for a whole season.

Appley sewer is one of the biggest on the Isle of Wight.

The one-metre-wide pipe carries Ryde’s wastewater and stormwater to Sandown for treatment.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Reacting to the news, Cllr Michael Lilley said: "It was great to meet with Southern Water and talk through the works carried out to repair the collapsed sewer at Appley.

"An immense amount of effort has gone into rebuilding the collapsed pipes, along with future proofing work to prevent further risk of collapse during the past 15 months.

"We met with Southern Water onsite, and they have done a fantastic job of restoring the area."

A spokesperson for Southern Water said: "Works to reinstate the areas impacted by the Appley Sewer Collapse are complete, and Appley Long Stay Car Park, North Walk and Garden Walk are opening this weekend.

Isle of Wight County Press:

"We will be maintaining a small presence over the next few weeks while we repair the cover slab at the original location of the collapse, but this will not impede pedestrian or vehicular access.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the local businesses and public, along with the Isle of Wight Council, Ryde Town Council and Island Roads, who have shown great support, understanding and patience while we’ve completed this extraordinary repair.

"Although the road closure signs have been removed, it is advised to wait until the weekend to access the area."