Popular Isle of Wight attraction fears closure as Shanklin Hollow shut

Chine Hollow, which connects Shanklin Old Village to Popham Road and Rylstone Gardens, was shut, without notice, last week, as the County Press first reported.

Two historic Island attractions have warned of the 'significant impact' the closure is having, during what is supposed to be a peak time of the year.

The Isle of Wight's oldest attraction, Shanklin Chine, fears it could have to shut, as a result.

Read more: Popular Isle of Wight attraction open despite walkway closure

Part of the retaining wall along the walkway collapsed late last year, and there have been further collapses since.

Fencing had been erected around the affected areas and the footpath had been allowed to remain open. That was until last week when Island Roads deemed it 'unsafe'.

Another wall on the opposite side of the path, between the Crab Inn pub and Shanklin Chine, is also at risk of collapse and is being supported.

Island Roads said that wall is privately owned. 

A spokesperson said: "We are aware that the owner is in discussions with the IW Council with a view to making the repairs as soon as possible.

"However as this historic wall is a listed structure, planning processes need to be followed before the landowner can undertake the work."

The footpath closure means visitors to two Island attractions are having to take a longer walk via Priory Road and Popham Road, or are missing them altogether.

Rylstone Tea Gardens told the County Press it is causing confusion and having a 'significant impact' on trade, in the middle of the school summer holidays.

A spokesperson said: "Unfortunately there is limited parking around us and a large amount of our visitors park in the Old Village and walk through Chine Hollow."

Meanwhile, Shanklin Chine, which has an entrance along the footpath, has warned it could face closure due to loss of revenue, complaints and the disruption caused to visitors trying to visit.

Operations manager, Jo Porter, said: "We completely appreciate that the wall may be dangerous and of course safety must come first.

"All we are asking for is that barriers be erected along the wall line to allow access to The Chine from the Old Village entrance.”

As well as via Popham Road, Shanklin Chine can also be accessed from the Esplanade.

Residents say they fear a prolonged closure, much like that of Belgrave Road, Ventnor, which was shut for more than two years.

A date for the footpath's reopening has yet to be confirmed.

Island Roads added: "As soon as the site is made safe or we can confirm the support is sufficient, then we will, of course, be able to re-open this footpath."