GURNARD residents have won their battle for compensation for the disturbance they suffered during the creation of the new Southern Gas trans-Solent pipeline.
A campaign — including a banner and signs erected at the recent official pipeline opening — was spearheaded by artist Anne Lewington, who met senior Southern Gas Networks (SGN) managers after the ceremony.
She was upset at the "unfairness" of compensation being paid to some residents and denied to others.
She added: "The households who suffered from noise and disruption from the works are to be compensated and SGN are to contribute to a community project.
"On behalf Upper Hornhill residents, I would like to say we very much appreciate this and also the speed with which our grievance was addressed."
SGN confirmed ten residents received undisclosed payments and discussions were taking place with Gurnard Parish Council over a £3,000 contribution to its new community garden project.
SGN’s Chloe Boyce, said: "We are very pleased we’ve been able to resolve this situation as quickly as possible and we are able to support residents with their new community project."
The multi-million pound project to lay the new pipeline 50ft under the seabed between Lepe, in Hampshire, and Gurnard, Isle of Wight, was to replace pipelines resting on the seabed, which were vulnerable to ships’ anchors.
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk