The decision to abandon the sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) scheme in Gurnard has been heavily criticised by councillor Paul Fuller, who branded the project a “shambolic supermassive cock-up from day one.”
As previously reported by the County Press, Southern Water and the IW Council apologised after abandoning a drainage project, which left Woodvale Road and Solent View Road closed since February 3.
In response to the recent announcement, Cllr Fuller, representative of Cowes West and Gurnard and Cabinet member for planning, coastal protection and flooding, expressed frustration over poor project management and the lack of effective communication despite early assurances.
“At the engagement Southern Water held in December, I was told the ongoing maintenance grant had been sorted and due for sign-off," said Cllr Fuller.
He explained further that he had been assured road closures would be minimal and that communication with residents, businesses and the parish council would improve - none of which materialised, he says.
"Once the scheme was underway, frustrated by a lack of communication, I requested weekly catch-up meetings with Southern Water," Cllr Fuller said, emphasising the necessity of these meetings given the distress among residents and shopkeepers, who knew “next to nothing of the scheme.”
He added that effective project management from the outset could have prevented these issues.
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His repeated requests over the last month for a crisis meeting involving all concerned parties were not met.
He emphasised that elsewhere in the country, SuDS schemes operate successfully through effective partnerships with local highway authorities, resolving surface water issues efficiently.
"Why the same could not happen on the Island fills me with intrigue and mystery and worries me of the reputational damage this has caused," Cllr Fuller said.
Residents previously described the scheme as an "appalling waste of money," expressing frustration over prolonged disruptions caused by road closures and red barriers left outside their homes since early February.
The decision to abandon the project came despite significant investment by Southern Water, which previously cited an £8 million commitment that successfully reduced storm overflow incidents elsewhere on the Island.
Highlighting broader concerns, Cllr Fuller pointed out that the abandonment of the project raises questions about bathing water quality at Gurnard, particularly related to misconnections, which could now be reversed.
He strongly criticised the recent joint statement issued by Southern Water and the IW Council, calling it "bland, corporate and insensitive" and asserting it failed to properly acknowledge the significant negative impact on his community.
"This was a missed opportunity for Island Roads, Southern Water and other agencies to restore our faith and trust to work in partnership," he concluded.
Previously, Southern Water’s Keith Herbert expressed disappointment, citing unresolved maintenance costs as the main obstacle preventing the continuation of the scheme, despite substantial prior investment aimed at reducing storm overflows and improving water quality around the Island.
Following the termination of the scheme, Woodvale Road and Solent View Road will be restored to their original state.
Southern Water previously indicated intentions to explore alternative, more sustainable solutions, although details remain unknown.
The CP's questions to the IW Council remain unanswered this week.
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