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'Absolute Joke' Roadworks In East Cowes Are Coming To An End

York Avenue works looking up from the Floating Bridge

The final phase of disruptive roadworks are underway in East Cowes tonight (Thursday).

Since March, Island Roads has been digging up the main route in and out of East Cowes, to improve York Avenue.

Six nights of resurfacing works are starting in East Cowes tonight.

As previously reported, residents branded the works 'an absolute joke', saying houses were shaking because of ferry traffic being diverted down residential roads.

Photo by Jenny Jacobs 

Isle of Wight Radio has also been told the diversions are 'inadequate', there is a lack of parking and the cones are obstructing traffic.

East Cowes businesses on York Avenue exclusively revealed to Isle of Wight Radio they are 90 per cent down on takings.

Garage Inc, ComiCoffee and the Barber’s say they have 'suffered massively' as a result of the works, which started two days after the lockdown was lifted (and they could take walk-ins).

Matt, who owns ComiCoffee told Isle of Wight Radio:

“The whole thing is a shambles...We didn’t receive anything at ComiCoffee through our door about the work before they started...I don’t know why work couldn’t have been planned a bit better and done in lockdown?”

The view from outside the hub of businesses on York Avenue

Island Roads initially said the four-phase plan to upgrade York Avenue was starting early in the year while coronavirus restrictions were in place, “so the work can be completed before the start of the main tourism season”.

Resurfacing was initially scheduled by Island Roads for between June 2-9 - with the aim for the road to be fully open over the May Bank Holiday.

But delays means the work has not finished on time.

Watch a video of the chaos that ensued with ferry traffic arriving...

 As previously reported, similar 'eye sore' roadworks that are affecting two businesses in Appley have received thousands of pounds worth of compensation and an apology from Southern Water after a sinkhole was discovered at the start of the year.

But in this case, Island Roads says 'There is no statutory provision for compensation by the highway authority if a business is affected by road works.'

A spokesperson for Island Roads said:

'We would take this opportunity to thank residents and business owners for their patience during these works.

'Work to reconstruct the foundations and then resurface a significant section of York Ave is a major scheme that will improve the main route in and out of East Cowes. Unfortunately, this also means that there will be a certain amount of disruption to residents and businesses.'

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