Islanders' homes at risk after ground movements

A major operation is underway to help residents affected by land instability along Undercliff Drive between Niton and St Lawrence.

The Isle of Wight Council is co-ordinating an operation to help residents remove belongings from their homes after they were advised to leave for safety reasons.

The operation is being led by the Isle of Wight Fire Service with support from the military, the Coastguard Service, Island Roads and local police officers.

Over recent days, significant ground movement has damaged the highway affecting access to nine properties in an area known as ‘Woodlands’.

On Friday one home was evacuated after it was found to be unsafe by building control officers and yesterday the Isle of Wight Council requested that remaining residents leave their homes due to concerns about their safety because of lack of access and uncertainty about utility supplies.

Today, a military team which was deployed to the Isle of Wight yesterday, is helping residents to remove personal belongings from their properties.

Saturated ground and continued movement make conditions in the area extremely dangerous so members of the public should keep away from the area.