A MAJOR route serving Ventnor is set to close due to emergency gas works in Wroxall.

Southern Gas Networks (SGN) began repairs on a gas leak outside the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary on St John's Road on Monday last week (October 21).

Temporary traffic lights have been in place throughout the week to maintain traffic flow, but the road will be completely closed from this morning (Monday, October 28), from 9.30am.

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The closure will extend between the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary to Whiteley Bank.

The B3327, the main route between Ventnor and Wroxall, serving Sandown, Shanklin and Godshill, is currently the only direct route remaining, with Leeson Road in Ventnor closed indefinitely for safety studies.

The gas works are expected to continue until midnight on Friday, November 1, under the current works order, approved by the Isle of Wight Council.

This closure means that anyone travelling to and from Ventnor will only be able to do so via Whitwell.

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SGN said: "We're currently working on a gas escape located outside the Donkey Sanctuary on St John's Road in Wroxall.

"Due to the location of the gas main in the road, we need to temporarily close St John's Road from the junction of Whiteley Bank roundabout, to past the Donkey Sanctuary.

"The road will close on Monday, and will mean no through vehicle access in either direction past the point of the closure."

SGN also said it is too early to say how long the repair will take.

The closure has also affected public transport users in Wroxall and Upper Ventnor.

Southern Vectis has stopped all its number 3 buses, which serve the route.

The bus company said on its website: "As Leeson Road also remains closed, this will mean that route 3 buses will be unable to serve Wroxall or Ventnor from this time.

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"The last buses to leave Ventnor on Monday (October 28) will be the 8.46am from Ventnor Boots towards Ryde and the 8.55am from Ventnor Boots towards Newport.

"Any customers from Ventnor after this time will need to use route 6 buses.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Island Roads said: "We have been made aware that SGN need to close a section of St John’s Road, Wroxall, on Monday, to repair a gas leak.

"Island Roads is very mindful of the ongoing closure of Leeson Road, and will liaise with SGN to help minimise, as far as possible, the impact of this essential closure."