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Articles by Louise Hill
Freshwater residents and councillors unite against controversial development plan
Hostility towards proposed housing off Camp Road has continued to build ahead of a consultation deadline on Friday this week. Councillor John Medland, who represents Freshwater South on the Isle of Wight council, has joined Freshwater Parish Council and 28 residents in lodging objections against a re-advertised application for a 127 housing unit development with access roads and a junction.
Patients praise GP staff, but struggle with service access, says Isle of Wight health watchdog
A majority of recent feedback for the Isle of Wight’s health and social care services is negative, according to an Island watchdog. Healthwatch Isle of Wight’s (HIW) findings show residents are reporting long waits for autism and ADHD assessments, positive feedback for GP staff but negative feedback for accessing GP services and widespread concern over the cost and availability of dental appointments.
Isle of Wight council raises fees for marriages, funerals, and cremations
Getting married, holding a funeral or being cremated on the Isle of Wight has just got more expensive. The Isle of Wight council has increased the prices of its registrar services as well as cremations, burials and memorials, by roughly six per cent — which it says is in line with inflation. Overall, the rises, which came into effect on 1st April 2024, will make the authority an extra £137,000 a year.
Padel tennis craze set to land on the Isle of Wight with new sports facility
The latest sports craze, Padel, could soon be coming to the Isle of Wight in a major investment for an Island tennis club. Padel is a fast-growing sport, which started in Mexico and is played by celebrities and professional sports men and women. A mix of tennis and squash The racquet sport is played in doubles and scored like tennis, with two halves of a court, but boxed in like squash and balls can be hit against the glass walls.
Isle of Wight council tax bills rise with surprising local precept variations
Isle of Wight residents have been getting their increased council tax bills for the year ahead — with some Islanders in for an eyewatering surprise. The cost of every town, parish and community council precept has been revealed for Islanders, showing the different amounts residents are charged depending on where they live. What is a precept? A precept is an additional charge for residents, which goes towards the work and services provided by local town, parish and community councils.
Isle of Wight families struggle with soaring heating costs in 'eco-friendly' homes
“Angry and frustrated” parents say their young children are going cold as heating costs on an Isle of Wight housing estate skyrocket to ‘unaffordable’ rates. Residents of Bluebell Meadows and St George’s Gate claim they have been ‘lied to’ and feel ‘let down’, having been promised cheap bills and houses which were economical to run.
Time to elect new police chief
By Louise Hill, Local Democracy Reporter It will soon be time to find the next publicly elected official to be the Hampshire and Isle of Wight top police chief. Article continues after this message... Since 2021 the position has been filled by the Conservative’s Donna Jones, the former Portsmouth City Council leader, and a Hampshire magistrate. Now the window is open for candidates to put their names forward to become Hampshire and Isle of Wight police and crime commissioner for the next term.
Time to elect new police chief
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Isle of Wight residents face the 11th highest council tax rate in England
Of all the councils in England, the Isle of Wight has the 11th highest rate of council tax. From April, Islanders will fork out an average £2,029.27 to the Isle of Wight council and its adult social care services in the next 12 months. The new figures have been revealed by the government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which compared all 317 county, district, metropolitan and London borough councils and unitary authorities across England.
Isle of Wight council to sell two sites following development struggle
Two Isle of Wight council-owned sites will be ‘disposed of’ after the authority failed to find someone who would be willing to build houses there. For years the council has been trying to find a partner to develop two parts of Venture Quays — the Maresfield Road Car Park and the land opposite, which is currently home to Island business Teemill, an offshoot of Rapanui.
Town Council eyes £150k loan for much-needed renovation of seafront public toilets
Public toilets on an Isle of Wight seafront, which are more than 60 years old and described as a ‘health hazard’, could soon be redeveloped. The current public toilets at the end of East Cowes Esplanade were installed in 1961 and are still well-used by visitors to the seafront and residents of the town.
Isle of Wight councillors agree allowances for coming year
Isle of Wight Councillors will take home more than £9,500 this year for the time they dedicate to the role. Members have agreed their allowance scheme for the financial year ahead, setting the basic amount they will receive as at least £9,605. Annual uplift yet to be determined An annual uplift, which is yet to be determined but is in line with the nationally agreed increase for council employees, could also be added.
Debate heats up over Isle of Wight council's potential governance revamp
A major change to the way the Isle of Wight council could make decisions is a step closer. As reported, members last night (Thursday) agreed to hold an extraordinary council meeting on 1st May to make the final decision about whether or not to change the authority’s governance system. Working group A working group has been devising plans since last summer to move away from the leader and cabinet model to a committee system, which is hoped will involve more councillors in the decision-making.
Isle of Wight council meeting overruns amid cries of 'undemocratic vote'
Last night’s (Thursday) Isle of Wight council meeting ended with shouting and calls that an ‘undemocratic vote’ was taking place — after a meeting went on past 9pm (watch on YouTube). As part of the Isle of Wight council’s constitution, a regular full council meeting can only run for three hours. Typically, it starts at 6pm and ends at 9pm when business is stopped, regardless of where it stands.
Isle of Wight Councillor cites poor maintenance by AEW for collapse of Ryde rink plans
Lack of maintenance at the former Ryde Arena ice rink caused the business behind Mermaid Gin to withdraw from major development plans, an Isle of Wight councillor has claimed. Councillor Michael Lilley — of Ryde Community Trust and who will represent the Liberal Democrats in Isle of Wight East at the next general election — asked a question at the Isle of Wight council’s cabinet meeting last week. Lilley: What action will IWC take?
Wootton Bridge residents outraged over permanent closure of local GP surgery
The ‘closure’ of an Isle of Wight doctors’ surgery has been called a “stab in the back” by angry residents who will no longer have a practice in their village. In a shock announcement last week, Medina Healthcare announced it would be merging its two practices together in a new facility on the edge of Newport.
Setback as new Isle of Wight special free school postponed by at least a year
The launch of a new special free school on the Isle of Wight has been delayed indefinitely as there is a struggle to find someone to run it. More than a year ago, parents, carers and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) were given the good news the Isle of Wight would be getting a new specialist school.
Ofsted report indicates required improvements for Pre-School
An Isle of Wight nursery has slipped in its Ofsted rating to ‘Requires Improvement’, but inspectors said children have fun. Brighstone Pre-School, based at the village’s primary school on New Road, was visited by the education watchdog in February and recently published its findings. Multiple improvements needed Inspectors found the previously ‘Good’ nursery had fallen in its rating, with multiple improvements needed.
Island Day Nursery secures 'Good' Ofsted rating for 15th year
An Isle of Wight nursery has maintained its ‘Good’ Ofsted rating for a 15th year. The education watchdog visited The Island Day Nursery, in Newport, in February and saw the “happy and safe environment” management and staff create for children, “at the heart of the community it serves”. A recently-published inspection report has highlighted the positives at the nursery, as well as the two things the setting needs to do to improve.
Isle of Wight council to payout £5m to Southern Vectis for concessionary bus travel
The Isle of Wight council is to hand Isle of Wight bus operator Southern Vectis more money than last year, to offset those eligible for concessionary travel. Southern Vectis says it is transporting about the same number of paying passengers as it did it 2019 (pre-Covid) while the number of people travelling with concessions is about 92 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, although numbers have risen compared to last year.
Isle of Wight council takes bold steps towards a smoke-free generation by 2030
More than £2.5 million will be spent on boosting stop smoking services on the Island as the Isle of Wight council signs up to create a smokefree generation. It is in line with the government’s plans to make smoking obsolete across the country with the money specifically allocated to increase smoking cessation and prevention services.
Rebuilding would be 'an absolute folly' says council leader
Reinstating the collapsed Undercliff Drive near Ventnor would be ‘foolish’, the Isle of Wight council leader has said, following a further landslip in the area. Last weekend, a landslip affected properties on two roads in St Lawrence, on Hunts Road and Old Park Road, with cracks appearing on the highway. Metres from Undercliff Drive The roads sit below Undercliff Drive, which itself has been closed for ten years after a significant landslip destabilised the highway.
Isle of Wight taxi driver complaints drop to five-year low
The number of complaints made against taxi drivers on the Isle of Wight reached a five-year low in 2023. Since 2018, 77 complaints were filed with the Isle of Wight council against taxi drivers for a range of reasons — including smoking behind the wheel, overcharging or aggressive, abusive or threatening behaviour. Grievances against drivers have fallen However, grievances against drivers have fallen in the past three years, with 16 lodged in 2021, 10 in 2022 and then six in 2023.
Isle of Wight council's Cabinet have just voted to replace Floating Bridge 6
The troubled £3.5m Floating Bridge 6 will be replaced, the Isle of Wight Council has tonight (Thursday) announced. The council’s executive cabinet body unanimously agreed to replace the current chain ferry — which has been plagued with issues since it was installed in 2017 — in a “decision which has been a long time coming,” said Cllr Phil Jordan, the authority’s leader. Speaking at the cabinet meeting, Cllr Jordan said he knew it was a decision people had been waiting for, and so had he.
Wootton GP surgery relocation 'closure by another name' says local councillor
An Isle of Wight councillor has slammed the decision to permanently move a GP surgery out of Wootton as essentially a closure. It comes as the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) has today (Wednesday) revealed plans that the ‘temporary relocation’ of Wootton Bridge Medical Centre will be permanent.
Wootton Bridge GP surgery to relocate permanently to Newport due to structural issues
An Isle of Wight doctors’ surgery will be permanently moving out of its home in Wootton Bridge after just ten years. It will leave the village without a GP surgery and will affect around 9,000 patients. It had been said a temporary move of Wootton Bridge Medical Centre, on Brannon Way, was going to happen when cracks and ground movement were first highlighted in 2022.
Drop-in sessions offer insight into special school capacity boost
Drop-in sessions will be held for parents about proposals to increase the number of places at specialist schools on the Isle of Wight. It comes as the number of Island children needing an education, health and care plan has more than doubled in the last nine years, increasing pressure for places in special schools and outside provision, the Isle of Wight council has revealed.
Isle of Wight nursery's Ofsted rating drops from 'Outstanding' to 'Inadequate'
An Isle of Wight nursery has fallen from ‘Outstanding’ to ‘Inadequate’ in the eyes of Ofsted. Gatten and Lake Childcare was visited by the government’s education watchdog last month (February 2024) and ranked ‘Inadequate’ in personal development as well as leadership and management. The quality of education at the nursery and the behaviour and attitudes were rated as ‘Requires Improvement’.
Newport councillors lament end of free parking, fearing impact on local businesses
The loss of a free hour’s parking in some car parks in the Isle of Wight’s county town will be “detrimental” to its businesses, councillors say. Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council are calling for ‘parking equality’ for Newport as it “bears the brunt” of generating ’70 per cent of the Isle of Wight Council’s parking income’. It comes as a parking pilot in the town has ended meaning shoppers now no longer get an hour’s free parking.
Isle of Wight council approves expansion of Whippingham Technology Park
The second phase of new warehouse plans has been unanimously approved by the Isle of Wight Council. Isle of Wight Distribution is to expand at Whippingham Technology Park, on the main road into East Cowes.
Isle of Wight hospital adapts to provide better support for dementia patients
Fewer people with mental health issues and dementia are being sent off the Isle of Wight, after changes at St Mary’s Hospital. Specialist ward, Shackleton, closed five years ago, over care and staffing concerns. Since then Island patients with specific needs, have been sent to specialist beds on the mainland, away from their families.
Isle of Wight residents struggle with sharps bin shortage for medical waste
A two-year conundrum for Isle of Wight sharps bin users has been branded “unacceptable”, as responsibility has been pushed from one authority to another. The bins are a way to safely dispose of used medical needles for those who self-treat conditions at home, including Type 1 Diabetes. Insufficient bins However, bulky medical equipment is filling up small one-litre bins quickly and patients are finding the larger five-litre bins hard to come by.
Restoring the poet's grand estate on the Isle of Wight
New plans for an historic Grade II* Isle of Wight building have been submitted — this time to restore the grand property that was once home to a poet. Robert Camping, from Wonder House Group and Joesph Allnatt Centres, wants to make East Dene, overlooking the Island’s coast at Bonchurch, into a single house with guest and staff accommodation.
Uncertainty looms over Shanklin to Ventnor route reopening, says local councillor
Ventnor is a town of “8,000 people now clinging to a rock”, a councillor has said, after a public meeting on the future of Isle of Wight landslip-hit Leeson Road. Councillor Ed Blake said it is “frustrating” not to have a definite idea of when the Shanklin to Ventnor route will reopen, adding it would be “easier to understand if the road didn’t exist anymore”.
Isle of Wight Council reinstates £50,000 Exceptional Hardship Fund
Funding for vulnerable Islanders has been reinstated — a month after it was taken away. The £50,000 ‘Exceptional Hardship Fund’ was scrapped by the Isle of Wight council in January, to increase the discount on council tax bills for Islanders on low incomes.
Opposition's amendment forces Isle of Wight council to adopt new budget plans
A five per cent council tax increase has been approved, which means Isle of Wight council tax payers will see bills rise by an average of £90 per year. It means a Band D taxpayer will now pay £1,908.39 in the 12 months from April, to fund services provided by the Isle of Wight Council.
Budget Roundup: Council Tax On The Rise Across The Island
It means the Isle of Wight Council will be asking the average Band D taxpayer to pay £1,908.39 a year towards the services it provides — a £90 increase on the year before. The ruling Alliance Administration has unveiled its plans for the future financial year ahead, with an extra £3 million from government softening the heavy cuts which could have been headed our way. The administration will look to increase fees for marriages and cremations but freeze any hike in parking charges.
Isle of Wight political groups propose changes to 2024/25 council budget
Increased Isle of Wight affordable housing, a study on the future of the iconic Military Road and a facility for children and young people with extensive special needs are all proposals being put forward to change the Isle of Wight council’s 2024/25 budget. Ahead of the budget-setting meeting on Wednesday (28th February), opposition councillors have put forward their proposals to change the ruling Alliance Administration’s plans for the Island in the year ahead.
Shanklin's Shoe Zone Lined Up For Beer Cave Transformation
The former shoe shop on Regent Street has been empty for nearly six months, but it could soon be converted into an off-licence. Plans for a Premier Stores have been unveiled by Subramaniam Sabeeshan, who runs similar branches across the Island. Proposed, is a ‘beer cave’ and a ‘soft drinks cave’, as well as machines serving Costa Coffee, slushies and milkshakes, and the sale of American confectionery. Suggested opening hours are 6am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday.
Cowes Hamlet Court: Redevelopment Rejection For Dilapidated Building
The government’s Planning Inspectorate has refused planning permission for Hamlet Court in Cowes. It said it should not be demolished if it can be retained, adding it makes a positive impact on the surrounding conservation area. Developer and partial freehold owner, Hamlet Court Regeneration, wanted to pull down the nearly 200-year-old building and replace it with two luxury villas. Plans were submitted to the Isle of Wight Council in May 2022.
Eco-friendly LED lights could soon illuminate Isle of Wight football ground
Brighter lights could be installed at an Isle of Wight football club’s home ground, but Cowes Sports insists the change will have less impact on its neighbours. The Yachtsmen play at Westwood Park in Reynolds Close and the Wessex League Premier Division side is looking to upgrade its floodlights. Seeking a more efficient LED system The existing ones at Westwood Park are the typical ‘bulb’ type design, but the club wants a more efficient LED system.
Isle of Wight waste-to-energy plant begins testing Original
Isle of Wight waste-to-energy plant begins testing By Louise HillLocal Democracy Reporting Service Google The facility aims to use non-recyclable rubbish to generate electricity A new waste-to-energy plant on the Isle of Wight has begun test operations five years behind schedule. The facility aims to use non-recyclable rubbish to generate electricity for up to 5,000 homes.
Tattoo artist proposes new studio in former Isle of Wight zero waste premises
A popular Isle of Wight zero waste shop is on the move and its current premises could become a new tattoo studio. Cross Street’s Her Whey is taking over a new shop in Ryde – though it hasn’t revealed where. Change of use application Meanwhile, plans have been submitted to the Isle of Wight council to officially change the use of its current location. Behind the proposals is tattoo artist, Laura Drivina, who is currently based round the corner, at Isaku Aesthetics on Ryde High Street.
Yaverland beach to get new pay-to-use toilets in Sandown Town Council upgrade
Public toilets at a popular Isle of Wight beach could be replaced by state-of-the-art, but pay-to-use facilities. Currently, the toilets at Yaverland, in the public car park are free. Loan for new facilities In new plans from Sandown Town Council, approved at its meeting earlier this week, members agreed to get a loan to provide new facilities at the popular site, opposite the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary.
Free one-hour parking in certain Newport short-stay car parks to end this month
The free hour car parking offered to motorists in short-stay car parks in the Isle of Wight’s county town will stop at the end of the month. It comes as funding has run out for the free hour parking pilot which saw shoppers in Newport allowed to park in Lugley Street, Sea Street and Chapel Street car parks for an hour free.
East Cowes ‘Betrayed’ by improvement works being threatened
Long-promised improvements to the East Cowes sea front are under threat – but the IW Council says no final decisions have been made. Last February, original ideas to transform Albany Green on the Esplanade were downgraded to more modest ones. Budget pressures on the £5.8 million levelling up grant were blamed, which includes work on the Columbine building and Victoria Barracks.
Locals have their say on Camp Road planning applications
Freshwater residents packed the parish hall to discuss the latest planning application to build 127 houses on a greenfield site in Camp Road. Locals have campaigned for years to stop the many applications for the greenfield site, with objections from Island Roads due to safety issues.
The crematorium has undergone refurbishment
The Isle of Wight crematorium has recently undergone refurbishment, resulting in a more accessible and comfortable space for the community. The renovation included replacing the old wooden pews with new chairs, new carpet, adding new lecterns, catafalques, and an altar, and installing new committal curtains and voiles with a motorised ‘floating style’ track. The new additions give the chapel a more spacious and elegant appearance.
Postponement of Lake Hill/Broadway, Sandown works
After careful consideration, works that were due to start at Lake Hill and Broadway, Sandown next week have been postponed due to the current weather being experienced as well as the predicted weather forecast. The decision has been taken in order to prevent delays to work on site which would have potentially had a corresponding impact on local residents should the work period need to be extended.
Late Night Rural Bus Services To Continue As Further Funding Released
Another bus could also be added to route 5 service, from Newport to East Cowes, meaning it would operate four buses an hour. The cash pot of £580,000 has come from government, in its Bus Service Improvement Plan Plus funding, which has been allocated to the Isle of Wight Council. The council would then pay Southern Vectis to provide the extra services within the next two years.
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