Tonight (Monday), security is being put in place to protect Isle of Wight homes left empty after they were evacuated following the major landslide in Bonchurch.

The council says it is acting to deter unwanted visitors, while it continues to monitor the area. 

In all, 20 properties on Leeson Road were quickly cleared of the Islanders who live in them, at around 9.20pm last night, when a huge chunk of Bonchurch Landslip collapsed.

Many residents spent the night with friends and family, some were offered temporary accommodation, but others chose to remain at their homes on the stretch of road between Bonchurch Shute and Bonchurch Road.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon (Monday), the Isle of Wight Council's service director for waste, environment, and planning, Tash Dix, said the fall has been one of the largest in 15 to 20 years, at the landslip.

Isle of Wight County Press: Island Roads engineers assessing the damage, earlierIsland Roads engineers assessing the damage, earlier (Image: IWCP)

She confirmed there had been no loss of life and no damage to the properties, some of which saw their gardens sink between 40ft to 70ft.

Among the worst affected was the Smugglers Haven cafe.

The owners' car and a storage container, which had been level with the cafe, now sit at the bottom of a sheer drop.

For those unable to return home safely, residents are being advised to return to collect their belongings only between the hours of 10am and 4pm, for short periods of time.

What is the Isle of Wight Council landslip helpline number for residents?

  • If you are affected, call the Isle of Wight Council's helpline, on 01983 823111

Today, locals have been describing more land movement.

Isle of Wight County Press: The road closure, at Leeson Road and Bonchurch ShuteThe road closure, at Leeson Road and Bonchurch Shute (Image: IWCP)

Crashes and bangs have been heard and the Isle of Wight Council has confirmed the area is still moving.

Tash Dix said the cliff remains unstable, but added she is confident the biggest part of landslide has happened.

There are further 'stress fractures', she confirmed, though she said these were not in the road surface itself.

Leeson Road will reopen, but only when it is safe to do so.