Save the Military Road

Written by Jill Wareham - Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate and published in West Wight Beacon on Tue 25th Aug 2009

The Military Road between Brook and Compton at its narrowest point is now 10 metres away from the cliff edge. The cliff falls and erosion have increased alarmingly over the past few years due to the heavy rainfall, freezing temperatures and drainage.

The road over Afton Down and the re-alignment by Shippards Chine was completed in October 2003. Local people had been lobbying for 22 years until finally the will and the money was found for works to be done to secure the road for a further 50 years. A long term solution needs to be found to keep the Military Road open. The issue was raised at the Brighstone Parish Council some months ago by the Councillors of Brook and Mottistone and meetings have been held to progress the matter.

The Isle of Wight Council needs to work with the relevant organisations and landowners such as the National Trust, Environment Agency to find an immediate solution to the impending loss of the Military Road. Loss of this strategic road will have a devastating effect on Brook village as well as the whole of the Island for both local residents and the tourist trade. In a bid to raise the profile of the urgency of the problem there is a petition in local shops and pubs.

This petition is calling on the Isle of Wight Council to Save the Military Road. If you would like a copy of the petition please either telephone me on 741068 or email jill_wareham@hotmail.com.

Jill Wareham