At the annual meeting of Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council on Monday, 15 May 2023, I was elected as chair of the council for the coming year. I had been the vice-chair for the previous year.

I’m looking forward to working with all my colleagues and our excellent staff team as we work to deliver services and facilities.

The following extract of the report to the Annual Parish Meeting also on the same evening summarises much of the work we do:

“Work began on the refitting of the council’s property at 64 High Street in late 2022. The building is now in use as an office for its staff. Prospective tenants have been identified for its shoplets, and work on the heritage exhibition is well under way. The building will also be hosting co-working spaces for several months as part of a collaboration with the Building 41 initiative overseen by Isle of Wight Council.

“The community council made a significant contribution to the free parking trial in Newport car parks together with Isle of Wight Council. Data from the trial suggests that this has been well received by residents visiting the town and that there has been an increase in both footfall and dwell time. The council has budgeted for a continuation of the scheme, and is working with Isle of Wight Council and representatives of Newport Business Association.

Community council funding allowed improvements to be made to Downside Rec play park and to the Victoria Rec Pavilion. At Hookes Way, play equipment was installed as part of joint funding by the community council, Sovereign Housing Association, and Isle of Wight Council.

Talking to those enjoying The Day of Christmas event it was obviously very greatly appreciated, with activities both at Newport Quay and the town centre, including market stalls. Particular praise goes to the council’s staff for their professionalism in delivering this event and the many hours they put in before, during and afterwards, to making it a success. All of us who volunteered were delighted to play a part. The festive season again included seasonal lights and trees.

Other community focused events and initiatives over the last year included those for the little chimney sweep, Valentine Gray; and a very well-attended celebration of the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Other council support has gone to the Shaping Newport initiative, and to the High Street Heritage Action Zone. We look forward to being fully engaged with the delivery of the pedestrian zone in Newport town centre. Dialogue has been opened with Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads on pedestrian safety across Newport.

The council continued to provide services formerly provided by the Isle of Wight Council, including public toilets; school crossing patrols; support for voluntary youth services; allotments; funding for the 39 bus service; and the maintenance of Victoria, Downside, Nine Acres and Clatterford recreation grounds. The council has also provided many thousands of pounds of grants to community and sports organisations within the parish.