GROUND work to investigate a landslip along the main road through Wroxall is to be launched by the Isle of Wight Council.

In November last year, a four-metre section of embankment collapsed onto the B3327 St John's Road — the main Whiteley Bank and Ventnor route — near to its junction with Appuldurcombe Road.

Since then, after the landslip reduced part of the road to a single lane, temporary traffic lights have remained in place.

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The Isle of Wight Council has now appointed Island Roads to arrange ground investigation works, which will help to come up with options for how it can be repaired.

Cllr Phil Jordan, the Isle of Wight Council's cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: "Until we get the results, we won’t be in a position to know what sort of solution will be needed to fix this landslip, or the timescales involved.

"We are working to reopen the road to two-way traffic as swiftly as possible but, until there has been further analysis, it is important we do not remove the debris, as this could potentially destabilise the embankment further.

"We hope this explains the current inconvenience."

Isle of Wight County Press:

Isle of Wight County Press:

Island councillor for Wroxall, Rodney Downer — who understands the collapsed soil originated from the old steam railway cuttings and railway tunnel between the village and Ventnor — said work to investigate and repair the affected area would take some time to solve.

"I have been involved with this since the landslip occurred — attending site visits with Isle of Wight Council officers," said Cllr Downer.

"To my best knowledge, the soil on the bank came from railway cuttings and also from the railway tunnel.  

"The site is inspected for movement on a daily basis, but undoubtedly the amount of rainfall we have experienced lately must have had some effect on soil stability."

Investigations are due to start next week, with samples sent away for analysis. 

"It will not be a fast job and it is frustrating for motorists," Cllr Downer added.

"The soil cannot currently be moved, as there is concern of more slippage — but it will be removed as soon as it is safe to do so."