News and views

It was great to see today (24 January 2023) that work is under way on the Hookes Way play area. The play equipment had been removed in 2020 as it had reached the end of its useful life. This was raised with me several times during the council elections in 2021. I took this issue up after my election, working with Sovereign Housing Association, Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council, and Isle of Wight Council.

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As I walked along Dodnor Lane today (2 January 2023) I noted a pothole and part of the surface with a ‘ridge’ from where the surface has broken up. I’ve reported to Island Roads for repair.

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When I walked along Hookes Way today (2 January 2023) I noticed the littering, including what looked like dog fouling bags. I’ve reported this to Island Roads for clearing and will take this up with the council’s dog service. UPDATE: I’ve been liaising with council officers on this who have also inspected to see how bad things are. and to get some clearing done.

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I’ve again pressed Island Roads on their discussions with Southern Water about the water leaking in Worsley Road by the lane through to Albany Road. It’s frustrating that no progress is being made to resolve this issue. As residents feared, the freezing weather has seen the water turn to an ‘ice rink’ (pictured below) which is particularly hazardous for walkers and cyclists and motorcyclists. UPDATE 13 December 2022: Island Roads have said they will add this to the mini gritter route till the leak issue is resolved.

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My friend, Nick Stuart, gained the Brighstone, Calbourne and Shalfleet ward from the Conservatives in a by-election yesterday (24 November 2022). The result is: Lib Dem 526 53.4% Conservative 239 24.3% Green 153 15.5% Vectis Party 36 3.7% Labour 31 3.1%

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[Adapted from an Isle of Wight Council press release] A new section on the Isle of Wight Council website has been set up to provide advice and guidance to residents struggling with the cost of living. The content includes useful information from public, voluntary, charity, government and business organisations. The pages aredivided into sections for ease of access to information. Those sections are: benefits and government support — information about government support including an online benefits calculator; money worries — where to get help if you are worried about money; support with energy bills — for people who are struggling to pay utilities and other household expenses; food — information on community pantries, food banks and access to healthy food;…

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