Latest news with #MatthewWestwood
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Isle of Wight road closure 'could end my pub', says landlord
A pub landlord has said the effect of a two-month road closure "could see the very end" of his major route on the Isle of Wight has been closed one-way to traffic travelling northbound from Newport to Cowes since last Westwood, landlord of the Stag Inn, said over three days "we saw two people through the doors".Isle of Wight Council said it "does not have the facility to provide for financial assistance to businesses due to roadworks". 'Catastrophic effect' Vehicles have been forced to take a more than seven-mile diversion to avoid the works, which aims to widen Horsebridge Hill and install a junction to a new housing estate."It's had a massive impact," Mr Westwood said."There's more tumble weeds than there are cars using the main road as everybody is using the diversion road in both directions, taking business seven miles out of the way..."He said compared to figures from last year at the same time it was having a "catastrophic effect". Mr Westwood has contacted the local authority to enquire about receiving some support but said the "answer I got was no, there won't be any business relief at all".He wants people to know businesses are still open and accessible on the main arterial Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said: "During temporary roadworks there is no facility for business rates relief to be claimed from the utility company or developer who is carrying out the work."The council does not have the facility to provide for financial assistance to businesses due to roadworks."For example, Ventnor businesses did not receive payments of this nature when Leeson Road was closed for six months as alternative routes were available."Horsebridge Hill has a diversion in place where the business is still accessible from Cowes to Newport by passing traffic and also local traffic flowing north of Nicholson Street."The council added for any form of compensation to be considered a report from an insurer's loss adjuster would have to demonstrate the roadworks alone were having a detrimental impact on a business. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
BBC News
12-05-2025
- BBC News
Safety and trade fears over Newport to Cowes roadwork diversion
A major route on the Isle of Wight will be closed one-way to traffic for up to two months from diversion route for vehicles travelling northbound from Newport to Cowes is more than seven miles. The southbound side will remain closure is needed to widen Horsebridge Hill and install a junction to a new estate, which Isle of Wight Council said would provide "much-needed" social residents are concerned the diversion creates "an accident waiting to happen", with cars forced on to narrow residential roads without pavements. Resident Jon Davis said: "Traffic from Newport will have to turn right into Whitehouse Road against fast-moving oncoming traffic from Yarmouth, which is a very dangerous junction, I have had some near-misses here."The council said the route was drawn up by a traffic safety control officer who considered the width and classification of the road."The diversion route will be monitored throughout... and any additions will be made if required," a spokeswoman said."[It] is on existing roads that already have no pavements; therefore, pedestrians are advised, as they are with all routes with no pavements, to follow the Highway Code... to ensure their own personal safety." Matthew Westwood, landlord of the Stag Inn on Cowes Road, has raised concerns about the potential fall in trade because customers would be stuck in traffic."We have regular bookers, contractors, who are here several nights a week who are thinking of staying elsewhere to avoid the chaos of the extra traffic," he said."It's heartbreaking to hear when businesses are already struggling."Buses and emergency vehicles will be permitted to travel northbound throughout the works."If the road can be open for them, it makes sense to put temporary traffic lights in for all vehicles," Mr Westwood Isle of Wight Council said traffic lights would cause more disruption and make the working environment less safe for the added a crew member would be onsite to help buses get through, particularly to help commuters and children getting to school, especially during exams. It urged people to switch their car for the bus during the road will reopen for the duration of the Isle of Wight Festival in June. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
