ISLAND Roads has issued a statement responding to enquiries about diversions routes put in place in a busy area of East Cowes.

Phases three and four of work to upgrade York Avenue are underway, meaning the main road into the town, including to Red Funnel, Waitrose, GKN and the Floating Bridge, is closed. 

In the statement, Island Roads asks all road users to use the signed diversion in place during the ongoing York Avenue improvement works.

The diversion aims to offer a safe route for all traffic coming in and out of the town including vehicles using the Red Funnel ferry.

A spokesperson for Island Roads said: "We are aware of some local concerns about traffic using alternative routes.

"These alternative routes were not selected as the diversion route as they are not considered suitable for the volume of traffic or the larger vehicles that would normally use York Avenue.

"We encourage all road users to follow the local signage and keep to the official diversion. We have also put out additional signage asking people to use the official route.

"Island Roads would also take this opportunity to thank local residents and businesses, including Red Funnel, for their support and understanding during this essential road improvement scheme."

Wight Fibre is currently working in Sylvan Avenue, with a short diversion incorporating a section of Old Road in place, although this is for local residents and not through-traffic.