'Nightmare' roadworks top concerns for island vote

The state of the roads on the Isle of Wight is high on the list of concerns of voters approaching the local elections.

Several major road projects - including Fairlee Road in Newport and Horsebridge Hill between Cowes and Newport- have meant long diversions and delays for motorists in recent months.

Residents have told the BBC that the cost of living and ferry travel are big issues, but the scheduling of roadworks and road closures is the main concern.

All 39 seats on Isle of Wight Council are up for election on 7 May. The council is currently run by the Alliance Group made up of independents and Greens.

Ventnor resident, Sadie, told BBC Radio Solent said she was frequently stuck in a "huge great big zig-zag" of cars trying to get to other towns.

Peter from Newport said: "It's a nightmare. I know we are a country island but we don't have to have country roads everywhere," he said.

Current leader of the council, independent, Phil Jordan said he shared voters' frustration and concerns with Island Roads - the company which has held the contract to maintain Isle of Wight highways since 2013.

"We need Island Roads to coordinate better. Further afield, we need government to act on the powers that the utility companies have to close down roads", he said.

"If I'm re-elected, I'll work really hard to make a difference for the coordination of roadworks on the island".

Current deputy leader of the council Liberal Democrat Andrew Garratt said roadworks were making life on the island "extremely challenging".

"Businesses are finding the roadworks are sucking the life out of their trade, it's obvious that we need a new approach", he said.

"Bring together the council, Island Roads, developers and utility companies to make sure that everything is properly communicated," he added.

Independent Ian Dore said: "What I've actually called for is an independent review of the PFI [Private Finance Initiative] contract, and how Isle of Wight Council highways interact within that."

Bill Nigh is the sole Reform UK councillor on the authority.

"Reform will re-visit the Tory approved PFI contract and councillors will become involved in decisions regarding major road closures going forward in a Reform-run council

"Utilities in particular are out of sync with each other" he added.

Ed Blake is leader of the Conservative group on Isle of Wight Council.

He said: "What we need is a clear, collaborative, communicative approach to our contractors (Island Roads) so we can schedule works in a proper and timely manner, and not have them all happen at once."

Labour's Jock Rafferty said: "Sorting out the island's transport will be a big priority for Labour councillors" he said.

"Right now, the roads are gridlocked, and it's impossible to move around the island freely".

Chris Jarman represents the Empowering Islanders group on the council said road works had a "devastating effect on traffic flow, [affecting] visitors unfamiliar with the area, and local businesses".

Claire Critchison of the Green Party said: "I totally understand people's frustrations with the numerous roadworks.

"When key routes are closed it affects daily lives, and I know how anxious that can make people feel. Just getting around gets really complicated, and the last few weeks has seen almost everywhere on the island affected", she said.

Island Roads has previously said it had scheduled roadworks early in the year to be finished in time for the busy summer season.

It said the closure of Fairlee Road was needed to allow major water and sewerage improvement works

"There is no good time to undertake work on Fairlee Road, and some disruption is unfortunately inevitable," it added.

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