ISLAND Roads has slammed the 'unsatisfactory' repainting of road markings by utility company WightFibre.

Yesterday afternoon, WightFibre filled in a channel in Ventnor High Street after laying cables, and painted over just the channel, leaving the words TOWN CENTRE incomplete.

It was picked up on social media and this morning many were wondering if the work was an April Fool's joke.

The County Press videoed the road this morning and asked WightFibre, the Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads for their comments.

Isle of Wight County Press:

An Island Roads spokesperson said: "While WightFibre has met the letter of the regulations covering reinstatement of the highway, we are disappointed they have not repainted more suitable markings after their work.

"As a result, we are sending a lining crew to repaint all the markings in this section today (Friday).

"We will also be ensuring WightFibre adequately cleans the site before the road is re-opened and that any damage that may have been caused as a result of this recent work is made good."

This afternoon, the work has been completed and Island Roads Tweeted: "We've been out in Ventnor making good earlier unsatisfactory work carried out by a utility company."

They added a photo of the completed work.

Isle of Wight County Press:

WightFibre said: "WightFibre work in accordance to strict permits issued by Island Roads and is inspected by Island Roads once work is completed.

"Re-painting the whole street sign is unfortunately not within our excavation and or works, we have however forwarded to Island Roads and it is with their maintenance department to see if it would be possible to carry out the resurfacing and painting works under our road closure.”

 

Cllr Phil Jordan, cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said earlier: “We think this is an unfortunate and unsatisfactory situation which requires sorting out quickly.

“We have agreed with Island Roads that they will attend on site today to complete and finish the road markings to an acceptable standard.

“Island Roads continue to meet and liaise with WightFibre concerning their operational delivery of the Government funded scheme to provide fibre to the property for the majority of homes across the entire Island.  

"I have no doubt this matter will be raised at those meetings to see if we can deliver better outcomes in similar circumstances going forward.”