Southern Water says it does not know when its work to repair a sewer pipe and sinkhole next to Appley Beach in Ryde will be complete but that it will be as soon as possible, in response to concerns that road closure orders have been requested until October 22.

Work is already underway on the site, next to one of the Island's most popular beaches.

Fears have been raised that it could still be taking place in the summer - which the Prime Minister hopes will be 'normal', under his roadmap out of Covid-19 lockdown.

A bumper season - fuelled by UK-based holidays - are being predicted and the Isle of Wight has appearing as one of the most-searched holiday hotspots.

A sinkhole appeared in January and it has now been temporarily filled, to stabilise the area and protect it from the weather.

The repair job has been described as complex and in common with other work carried out by utility firms on the Island, the closure reflects the worst-case scenario, the County Press has been told.

The pipe underneath the sinkhole has been diverted and the work has led to the loss of parking and access in places, for safety reasons.

Southern Water says work is now underway to survey other locations, so it can work out the best solution.

Multiple agencies and specialist contractors are involved.

"We know this is a popular location for locals and visitors"

Southern Water Engineering and Construction Project Manager, Tim Olliffe, said: “We are very sorry for the ongoing disruption caused by repairs to a collapsed sewer at Appley Beach.

"This is a very complex job and unfortunately not one that will be fixed in the next few weeks.

"We are committed to being away from the area as quickly as possible; we know this is a popular location for locals and visitors.

"Some people may have seen that Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders applied for, state we will close roads and access in the area until October 22.

"Please note we do not know a timeframe and we are dedicated to completing work sooner."

Surveys are being carried out - they have already identified a collapsed sewer as the cause of the problem - and a repair plan is being finalised.

Southern Water says the results will inform a more accurate timescale and a phased reopening, as soon as possible.

Tim Oliffe said: “Any closure involving public access is something we try to avoid and extended closures are only done when there is no other choice.

"We are working closely with local businesses, the life boat station team and others affected to minimise impact – and thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”