ENGINEERS say that they hope to re-open the main road through Shanklin to Ventnor by 5pm this evening after a gas leak in Shanklin Old Village yesterday (Tuesday).

A gas main outside the Crab needed to be repaired after it began leaking yesterday morning, forcing traffic between Shanklin and Ventnor to take a long diversion via Wroxall.

A spokesman for Southern Gas Network (SGN) said: "We're continuing to carry out emergency repairs to our network on A3055 Church Road in Shanklin.

"Our engineers have completed a repair to our gas main outside The Crab public house between Chine Avenue and Rectory Road. We're now working to restore the road surface to its original condition.

"For everyone's safety, Church Road remains closed between these junctions while resurfacing work takes place. A signed diversion route via the A3020 and B3327 is in place for motorists.

All being well, we'll be able to reopen the road by 5pm this evening."