There will be major disruption heading to and from Ventnor on the Isle of Wight next month, as one of the main routes into the seaside town closes for two weeks.

Newport Road, otherwise known as The Graben, is being shut to allow for Southern Water sewer works.

It coincides with another route into Ventnor, Leeson Road, already being shut following a major landslip in December.

The closure of The Graben means traffic will be diverted via Whitwell Road.

Read more: Update on road closures in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight

A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads said: “We realise that this work will inevitably cause disruption, particularly while Leeson Road remains closed.

“However the feeling of the recent public meeting in Ventnor was clear that Southern Water are able to undertake the work as soon as possible ahead of the main holiday season and before the ongoing movement at the Graben causes further major damage to infrastructure which would take far longer to remedy.”

The closure of the Graben will be in effect between June 17 and June 28.

Because deep excavations are required, a 24-hour road closure will be necessary during this period.

The spokesperson added: "June 17 is the soonest practical start date for the work given the steps needed in advance of the road closure.

"These include advertising and implementing the various road orders and giving residents enough required notice of the diversion.

"The network also has to be clear, where possible, of other works that may affect the diversion route."

Meanwhile, the council said it is hoping to reopen the nearby Gills Cliff Road and Bath Road as soon as possible.

The spokesperson added: “The current volume of road users on Ocean View Road is not expected to change as a result of the Newport Road closure, as this is already the favoured route people take into the town."