‘Significant rockfall’ closes roads on Isle of Wight

A “significant rockfall” has blocked a coastal road on the Isle of Wight, police have said.

Debris and large boulders crashed onto Belgrave Road in Ventnor when part of the cliff face gave way on Friday night.

A Hampshire police spokeswoman said: “No injuries have been reported and no properties are reported to have been damaged.”

Belgrave Road and Esplanade Road remained closed on Saturday and an inspection by Island Roads and the council was expected to take place later.

An Isle of Wight Council spokeswoman said the authority and Island Roads would continue to monitor the “significant rockfall” at Belgrave Road and would take “all appropriate action” to protect the public.

This would include extending the current road closure if necessary.

There needed to be a detailed assessment of the movement “as this area is known to suffer from geological instability”, the spokeswoman said.

She added: “Island Roads and the council will then work towards determining what action is required to ensure the safety of the area with the intention of removing the fallen rocks and reopening the road at the earliest opportunity.

“As always, this will be done when we are sure no further imminent movement is likely at this location.”