Farmer clears landslip blocking major Isle of Wight route

A section of embankment on Niton Road, just outside Rookley, saw a significant slippage, blocking both sides of the carriageway.

Islands Roads closed the road from its junction with Harts Lane and the Chequers Inn pub at around 7.30am.

After Island Roads left the scene, a local farmer cleared the road in a couple of hours using the bucket on the front loader of their tractor.

Before and after Niton Road landslip was cleared (Image: Island Roads/Contributions)

See the before and after above

Speaking to the County Press, the farmer explained that the embankment was theirs and Island Roads were trying to decide who was responsible for the clean-up.

The farmer was concerned about the effect the road closure would have on business at the Chequers Inn pub and the increased traffic caused by the diversion on Lake Farm Equestrian Centre.

After finishing the job, the farmer called Island Roads to inform the highway service that the road had been cleared and that a sweeper could be sent to tidy it up.

The County Press has reached out to Island Roads for confirmation on when the road will officially reopen.