PAPER J

NOTES OF RYDE PLACE PLAN WORKING GROUP MEETING HELD ON

TUESDAY, 19 MAY 2020 AT 2.00PM

VIA THE ‘ZOOM’ VIDEO COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY

Present: Cllr Diana Conyers (Chair), Jon Baker, Ian Boyd (AC), Cllr Malcolm Ross,

Chris Turvey and Zoe Thompson

1/20

APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Abi Wheeler

2/20

ELECTION OF CHAIR

Cllr Conyers was nominated and elected as the Chair of Ryde Place Plan Working

Group.

3/20

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR WORKING GROUP

The Group discussed the terms of reference and it was clarified that the addition

of Abbie Wheeler and Zoe Thompson were representing the Working Group in

their capacity as HSHAZ The Interim Project Officers.

Some discussion was also held around inviting other individuals to join the group

meetings which included other RTC councillors who were not chairs of the various

committees and groups. These could include relevant ward councillors who

represented a particular area that was being discussed at a meeting as well as

representatives of other stakeholders.

When the full time Project Officer (PO) commences employment with the Town

Council, the Interim Project Officers would be included on the Group as members

of Ryde Arts and Ryde Business Association. It was however noted that the first

meeting after the commencement of the full time PO’s employment, the Terms of

Reference would be reviewed further.

DECISION

The Ryde Place Plan Working Group Terms of Reference was agreed.

4/20

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR PLACE PLAN REVIEW

The Group discussed the arrangements around how the revised Place Plan would

be set out and what arrangements would be in place for the consultant Ian Boyd.

It was suggested that the RTC’s Clerk would draw up a legal framework in order

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to satisfy any legislative issues as well as to inform all councillors and members of

the public.

The Place Plan’s TOR’s was essentially a Job Description for the consultant to

work to and a mechanism for the group to refer to when reviewing progress.

Discussion was held regarding the consideration in more depth of the issues and

options related to the various proposed large-scale developments in the south-east

of the town. This was considered somewhat relevant to the ToR’s owing to a

combination of some large concerns from local residents as well as the long term

implications of the Covid 19 pandemic and it was considered a revised plan in light

of the Covid crises would assist matters.

On the subject of how any revised plan would be issued, it was agreed that this

would be better suited in the form of annexes / appendices, outlining the changes

and attached to the original document. This would also ensure such amendments

would not be lost in the wider body of the original plan.

Owing to the governments easing of some lockdown restrictions from 1 June 2020,

the submissions of these annexes / appendices would need to be submitted as

soon as possible. However, there were some matters in relation to the

pedestrianisation of the High Street that may present some delays. The Group

agreed that any changes could be presented to them as and when ready and if

necessary, it could meet to discuss them.

DECISION

The Terms of Reference for the Place Plan Review Working Group was agreed.

ACTION

• Chris would liaise with the Town Clerk and Ian Boyd in order to identify a

legal framework for the work of reviewing the Ryde Place Plan.

• The Working Group would meet as and when required in order to review

and discuss any forthcoming changes to the Place Plan

5/20

URGENT ACTION: DISCUSSION OF PROPOSALS MADE BY IAN AND ZOE

AND ACTION PLAN

The Group discussed two key areas that needed addressing. These were

measures to open up the Town which included the High Street, Union Street and

the Esplanade and measures to promote cycling, walking and open spaces.

It was important to identify what could and could not be achieved given the

restrictions, although there did need to be better collaboration with the Isle of Wight

Council (IWC) and Island Roads (IR) in particular in order to achieve an effective

and rapid outcome.

One of the main obstacles to opening up the High Street was the pedestrianisation

of it between Garfield Road and Star Street. The Group noted that a traffic order

to close this area to all vehicles had been approved on 10 January 2020.

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However, it appeared that the Cabinet Member was now stating that the order

would no longer be carried out and this seemed to be in contravention of the IWC’s

legal obligations. All relevant road signs for the prohibition of parking and the

closure of the road had been purchased and IR’s had given RTC a start date of

works from the end of March 2020. RTC would challenge the IWC and the Group

would be updated as soon as possible.

The Group was very concerned about the impact that this would have on the High

Street. The existing layout of the High Street was not conducive to the current

social distancing regulations that all were expected to adhere to owing to the

narrow road and parked cars in it. Should the closure of the road be allowed to

proceed as agreed, then Ryde would be able to establish such safe measures,

thus allowing part of the revised plan to be put in place.

ACTION

Chris to raise the matter at the HSHAZ Steering Group Meeting on 20 May 2020.

There were other areas of the town that also needed to be addressed with regard

to Covid measures such as Union Street where the pavements were narrow,

hindering social distancing. Remedial measures would include widening certain

areas of the pavement by means of removing assorted parking spaces and

replacing them with temporary barriers, allowing for areas where pedestrians can

safely pass one another.

Newport was already looking at various measures to address Covid regulations

and HSAZ Project Officers would contact Newport Community Councils HSHAZ

representative to assess what they were looking at.

It was also noted that the IWC was looking to put a Task Force together in order

to prioritise areas of the Island that needed measures being put in place in order

to address Covid restrictions. The Group agreed that RTC needed to be fully

involved in what was needed for Ryde and not let the IWC take the lead.

ACTION

• Zoe to liaise with Claire Kennard to discuss what measures were being

taken in Newport with regard to Covid 19 restrictions.

• Jon to contact Lee Matthews of IWC to ask about RTC being consulted and

involved in any Covid remedial works within Ryde.

With regard to Covid signage, there should be a more sympathetic approach with

signs being more amiable and welcoming placed around the town. If these could

be done quickly, then it would indicate that Ryde was being proactive, leading the

way. Leamington Spa was cited as being a good example of how this could be

done.

The Group was reminded however that any measures would need to abide by

RTC’s financial regulations as well as any mandatory planning requirements. It

was therefore suggested that the IWC’s Principal Conservation Officer be

consulted in order to ensure no conservation orders etc were being violated.

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Other areas that Ryde could take a lead on was seeking volunteers to welcome

any visitors to Ryde, assuring them that the Town is safe and ready for what

business is allowed as well as highlighting green spaces as being a safe and

relaxing place to visit. Such volunteers could be sought from the RTC Coronavirus

Hub as well as Aspire, Ryde Society and Community Action. The promotion of the

importance of using face masks should also be looked into with these being

handed out by volunteers. The Mayor was already looking into the procurement of

these and the Group would be updated in due course. Leaflets, perhaps made in

house, on how best to make use of these could also distributed.

There was also some discussion around Visit Isle of Wight offering assistance to

RTC and it was agreed that they could be contacted with a view of liaising with

them. On the issue of the travel operators, it was also agreed that there should be

discussions with them to ensure that they have correct social distancing measures

in place.

ACTION

• Chris to speak with Lee Byrne of the IWC and request guidance on any

planning issues in particular Grade 2 Listed.

• Zoe to lead on investigating how best to acquire and implement street

signage, investigate the use of volunteers for meet and greet and liaise with

Visit Isle of Wight.

• Chris to contact Travel Operators with regard to their social distancing

measures.

• Cllr Michael Lilley to pursue the option of procuring face masks in order to

distribute (Jon to contact Michael).

Cycling and walking, whilst always an important aspect of the Place Plan, had

increased since the outbreak of Covid 19 and the Group agreed that promoting

such activities should be a big aspect of the revised plan and the IW Local Cycling

and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) should be supported with Ryde a key

element. Areas of the town needed to be identified and utilised to best effect with

various cycleways needing to be connected up effectively.

It was therefore agreed that RTC should contact Will Ainsley of Cycle Wight and

the IWC’s relevant officer in order to discuss a way forward.

Cycle racks should also be better placed in order to encourage people to leave

their bikes without fear of damage.

ACTION

Malcolm to liaise with Will Ainslie of Cycle Wight and Kayleigh Richter (IWC’s

Active Travel Officer) with regard to establishing urgent cycleways.

On the matter of Open Spaces the Group was advised that The Mayor was talking

to the IWC’s Director of Neighbourhoods with regard of the release of land at

Nicholson Road, although the development itself at the site was likely to be a long

term project. Land to the west however had already been allocated for community

use.

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The forty acre land near the Nicholson Road site highlighted as a place for safe

exercise, recreation and exploration was discussed and it was noted that the

Mayor was already liaising with Sovereign on its possible use. Gift to Nature who

also manage the space at Swanmore / Pig Leg Lane are also being involved via

discussions with Ian Boyd.

ACTION

Ian Boyd to update the Group on any progress with Gift to Nature on the issue of

Open Spaces near the Nicholson Road site

The existing areas of green space such as Appley could also be promoted with

hidden areas opened up to entice those who wish to vacate a busy beach and

main pathway. Ryde beach should also be a place to expand upon, highlighting

the additional open spaces when the tide is out and what can be explored in a safe

way. This could be assisted with providing residents and visitors tide times.

All areas of existing open and green spaces must be publicised as effectively as

possible and IWC’s marketing and communications officers could be approached

for assistance in doing this.

ACTION

• Michael Lilley to follow up on the release of Nicholson Road land

• Chris to look into publishing Tide Times on the RTC Website.

• Chris and Diana to organise promoting to public all existing open and green

spaces in Ryde (possibly with Matt Chatfield and Cat White)

6/20

LONGER-TERM ISSUES AND PRIORITIES FOR THE REVIEW

Most issues had been covered in previous items discussed, however all were

reminded that the Covid 19 Pandemic remained an unknown quantity that would

change over the coming weeks and months ahead. Any revised plan would

therefore need to be flexible and subject to further reviews should it be necessary.

7/20

DATE OF NEXT MEETING AND PARTICIPANTS.

The Group discussed that moving forward it could perhaps look to meet every 21

days which would be in line with the governments schedule of reviewing Covid

regulations and guidelines. However, it was considered that on this occasion it

would be best to meet again before the 1 June 2020, so it could assess where

Ryde was in its preparation of meeting the partial lifting of the restrictions.

The date of the next meeting would therefore be on Thursday, 28 May 2020 at

2.00pm via the Zoom Meeting Facility

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PAPER A

NOTES OF RYDE PLACE PLAN WORKING GROUP MEETING HELD ON

THURSDAY, 28 MAY 2020 AT 2.00PM

VIA THE ‘ZOOM’ VIDEO COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY

Present: Cllr Diana Conyers (Chair), Jon Baker (Notes), Ian Boyd (AC), Cllr Malcolm Ross,

Chris Turvey and Zoe Thompson

8/20

APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Abi Wheeler

9/20

NOTES OF LAST MEETING

The notes of the last meeting were held on 19 May were agreed.

10/20

HIGH STREET PEDESTRIANISATION

The Group was provided with an update on the status regarding the

pedestrianisation of the High Street.

Since the last meeting there been significant progress in initiating the works.

Following a meeting of the IWC’s Covid 19 Task Force, the IWC’s PFI Officer

enquired about proceeding with the works as it would form a crucial part of the

Covid social distancing measures planned for Ryde.

RTC have the invoice for and the job was expected to commence shortly with

Island Roads (IR) programming it into their schedule of works as a priority.

There was also some indication from the IWC’s Covid Task Force that there may

be an extension of the pedestrianisation beyond Star Street to the traffic lights

which would remain in place until restrictions were lifted, although this was not

confirmed. In addition, parking charges would also be re-introduced in early June.

The Working Group did agree however that the issue of social distancing was

causing a dilemma around how measures should be implemented.

The Project Officer had met with her counterpart at Newport and Carisbrooke

Community Council and discussed concerns around the IWC needing to be more

aware of local needs for any temporary Covid measures in both towns.

The Group were keen to see the plans for the town before shops were due to open

on 15 June 2020 and the Planning Clerk would circulate them once they had been

made available.

ACTION - Chris to contact IWC and obtain Covid 19 Social Distancing plans for

the town and circulate to the Group.

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11/20

ACTIONS AND UPDATES FROM PREVOUS MEETING

The following actions from the previous meeting were reviewed:

Chris would liaise with the Town Clerk and Ian Boyd in order to identify a legal

framework for the work of reviewing the Ryde Place Plan.

This was still being finalised, but no issues of concern were expected on either

side .

ii.

Zoe to liaise with Claire Kennard to discuss what measures were being taken in

Newport with regard to Covid 19 restrictions.

Discussions had taken place and it was noted Newport were in agreement with

Ryde that any measures put in place needed to be safe but also welcoming.

Should restrictions be in place for many months, they needed to be to the benefit

of Ryde and not a hindrance.

Once the list of measures had been received from the IWC, there should be a

better understanding on how the Town Council can progress and whether it can

supplement any standardised Covid measures with some more creative ones

and HSAZ funding could also be used to support this. However, clarification

around any regulatory issues needed to be gained beforehand.

It was therefore suggested that the measures needed to be in place first and

then discussions could be held around any enhancements at a later date.

iii.

Jon to contact Lee Matthews of IWC to ask about RTC being consulted and

involved in any Covid remedial works within Ryde.

Contact could not be made, despite numerous efforts, however, matters had

progressed and RTC was expecting the Covid 19 response measures to be

received so they could be implemented by the 15 June 2020.

As an aside the Group did note that the Towns Public Toilets would be opening

by 15 June, if not sooner, and social distancing measures would need to be

taken into account for these.

iv.

Chris to speak with Lee Byrne of the IWC and request guidance on any planning

issues in particular Grade 2 Listed.

The IWC’s Principal Conservation Officer had been approached and was

expected to attend the next Steering Group meeting.

Zoe to lead on investigating how best to acquire and implement street signage,

investigate the use of volunteers for meet and greet and liaise with Visit Isle of

Wight.

It was noted that Visit Isle of Wight had yet to reply regarding campaigns for

promoting getting tourists back when safe to do so.

A - 2

With regard to signage, this still needed to be evaluated once the IWC had sent

its proposals to RTC. Once they had been received, a clearer plan could be put

together.

The subject of volunteers to act as martials was discussed and Aspire had been

approached in order to ascertain whether they could be involved with this. There

was also the option of the many volunteers that had helped RTC with those in

isolation during lockdown, although it was acknowledged that many may be

back at their own place of work once restriction was starting to lift.

The idea of establishing a Town Team could be a way of generating interest in

reviving the High Street. A similar initiative had taken place some ten years

previously, and many issues then were still relevent today (although it was a

challenge to generate interest).

The use of Street Pastors was also suggested as a possibility to assist in

welcoming people to the town as well as being of assistance to any local

residents. Members of the Ryde Society were also an option to generate

volunteers.

Network Ryde had also invited children to create posters, encouraging the use

of social distancing measures, and these could be placed in shop windows and

notice boards.

ACTION - Zoe to provide further update at next meeting on progress

once the IWC Covid measures had been received as well as discuss

with Rebecca Swan of Network Ryde about the use of children’s

posters.

vi.

Chris to contact Travel Operators with regard to their social distancing

measures.

The Planning Clerk had approached the Managing Director of Southern Vectis

and it was suggested that the space along Rose Gardens along the Esplanade

could be utilised to allow for better social distancing and also free up more space

in the Bus Station to allow for Covid measures. However, there were still some

issues with the bus stop at Cross Street where a narrow pathway outside shops

and businesses was a cause for concern. Cross Street would also likely be

subjected to a left sided one way pedestrian system.

Wight Link had not expressed any measures to address Covid as of yet, and

their Fast Cat service from the Pier Head remained suspended. Hover Travel

were also yet to respond.

vii.

Cllr Michael Lilley to pursue the option of procuring face masks in order to

distribute (Jon to contact Michael).

A source of supply for face masks had been identified and would be made with

the Ryde logo on it and members of the public would be encouraged to purchase

them if they needed to protect themselves. RTC would subsidise the scheme,

subject to established approval regulations.

A - 3

viii.

Malcolm to liaise with Will Ainslie of Cycle Wight and Kayleigh Richter (IWC’s

Active Travel Officer) with regard to establishing urgent cycleways.

Cycle Wight had been in contact and indicated that they were happy to work

with RTC to discuss issues around improving cycling and walking opportunities

within the town and adjoining districts, addressing certain pinch points as well

as looking at better placed cycle racks. People needed to be better educated in

where was best to get from one place to another. Cycling needed to be made

an easier and safer option, especially since the use of cycles had increased

during the Covid crises. Quick win solutions needed to be identified in order to

coordinate with the implementation of the Covid measures.

The use of Cycle Wight’s Chairman was also discussed with the possibility of

RTC hiring him as a consultant to assist in helping out with addressing the

challenges. It was noted that this could be discussed further at the next meeting

once any measures in the IWC’s response plans had been received and any

cycling issues addressed, but any such arrangement would need to be done in

consultation with Members and the Clerk. It was also suggested that he could

be invited to the next Group meeting.

ACTION - Malcolm to contact Will Ainslie to discuss any further

assistance and to discuss options at next Steering Group meeting.

ix.

Ian Boyd to update the Group on any progress with Gift to Nature on the issue

of Open Spaces near the Nicholson Road site

Gift to Nature had been approached and should RTC take on a temporary lease

of all or part of the Nicholson Road land which could be released as expanded

public space providing additional capacity in Oakfield for informal recreation,

then there was good potential.

Gift to Nature would need to look at capacity and possible funding to expand

their ranger service to include any expansion, including Swanmore Meadows,

Pig Leg Lane, the Arc Playground and connecting woodland. Sovereign and the

Outreach team were also keen to fund additional projects that would support the

additional public space as well as part of the Nicholson Road site that could be

managed effectively providing with easy access and egress and be attractive

for exploration.

The Pennyfeathers team and IWC Head of Planning had also been contacted

to establish if similar arrangements could be made for the west side of that site

and carried forward quickly and established as accessible public space. Both

IWC, developers and consultants seemed to have no objections in principle and

any development would likely be carried out in piece form.

With regard to the Pennyfeathers site as a whole, the Place Plan consultant was

creating a Management Company (ManCo), involving Gift to Nature which

would ensure the whole of the west side open space was managed effectively

as a country park as opposed to plain cut grassland. ERMC, a local specialist

estate management company would also be involved. The ManCo would then

be one large ranger team looking after all sites from Swanmore Meadows

through to the west side of Pennyfeathers and could also provide potential to

support other open space sites in Ryde.

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ACTION - Ian to continue to monitor and liaise with the Mayor and

interested parties and provide a further update at next meeting

Chris to look into publishing Tide Times on the RTC Website.

It was noted that a licence would be required to publish daily tide times on the

RTC Website.

The Place Plan Consultant stated that he had a link that was free from UK

Fishing which could be an option.

ACTION - Ian to send link of Tide Times to Chris.

xi.

Chris and Diana to organise promoting to public all existing open and green

spaces in Ryde (possibly with Matt Chatfield and Cat White)

There was some discussion as to whether RTC needed to hire additional

services at further cost to them. It was therefore agreed that such promotion

should be investigated to be carried out in house.

There was concerns raised by the Chair that the Ryde Map which was printed

earlier in year before the Covid 19 pandemic was now somewhat obsolete with

certain events postponed or cancelled altogether. It was suggested therefore

that an updated map could be put onto the website with perhaps an updated

leaflet printed to confirm which events were now no longer being held.

It was also noted that the Town Council’s website was being revamped but

owing to some technical issues with the IT Administrator was not yet up and

running.

ACTION - Jon to look into when new website would be ready and

also send an electronic copy of map to the Working Group.

12/20

UPDATE FROM CONSULTANT ON PROGESS OF PLACE PLAN REVIEW

The Place Plan Consultant provided updates on the following:

The original Place Plan had highlighted many areas that needed addressing, such

as improved cycleways, other forms of transport and provision of open green

spaces, all of which had been accelerated as a result of the Covid 19 crises and

its subsequent recovery measures.

There were still some frustrations however with coordinating any required work

with IR and improved cooperation was vital for any revised Place Plan measures

to work effectively.

The draft Annex was now written and would be circulated to the group for

consideration.

ACTION - Ian to circulate draft annex after meeting

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A draft Charter for Ryde (originally a manifesto) had been created by the Chair of

Planning. The Charter represented a point of communication between RTC and its

various partners and stakeholders as well as residents. It was crucial that the Town

Council took a lead in conjunction with the Ryde Business Association (RBA) in

getting business back on its feet and trading again as quickly as possible.

Use of public space was critical owing to social distancing especially with many

people wanting to be inside shops when it wasn’t always possible. Such

collaboration was crucial during the pandemic and the subsequent recovery and

people’s expectations needed to be managed accordingly. Online support was

also an important element.

Public health messages also needed to be reinforced but done so in a friendly and

positive manner, providing advice on how people could adopt safe measures to

come into the town and use businesses and shops without any apprehension.

Any supporting information such as maps to assist people in getting about the town

could be done quickly on PDF’s and published online with more detailed

professional versions updated as and when things progressed.

The Coastal Community Team was also something which fitted in well with Ryde

Unite (RTC and Aspire collaboration) as a good fund raising platform with a small

grant scheme associated with it and there was potential for many opportunities for

the towns benefit.

The Group then discussed the Third Sector Compact, which had already been well

established with the Ryde Coronavirus Hub, assisting the towns vulnerable people

during the Covid Lockdown.

Regarding volunteers, there was potential for a large pool to be utilised in a positive

way, some who were keen to assist more and others who had not been used so

much. This could be the basis of a Town Team, ready to help the Ryde out in its

recovery post Covid and assistance with getting the Town Team deployed could

be provided by Adult Community Learning. Training could be provided to assist in

many areas that would benefit the towns recovery and provide a positive future.

Open Street Maps, which was a free resource, was also useful as it gave details

of all public rights of way which would be beneficial in assisting people in navigating

and directing best ways around the town.

ACTION - Ian to send link to Open Street Maps

On the issue of the Oakfield work and the signage to offer ways to an expanded

recreational open space, the Group were advised that his would be for local

residents initially but also offer visitors an attraction at a later date, post Covid.

Regarding RTC’s website, this would be crucial in informing residents and visitors

alike of location car parks as well as what options there were for getting around

the town and to which businesses in order to mitigate any risk of diverting potential

customer away to larger shops outside of town.

A - 6

PAPER A

NOTES OF RYDE PLACE PLAN WORKING GROUP MEETING HELD ON

TUESDAY, 15 JUNE 2020 AT 2.00PM

VIA THE ‘ZOOM’ VIDEO MEETING FACILITY

Present: Cllr Diana Conyers (Chair), Jon Baker, Ian Boyd (AC), Cllr Malcolm Ross,

Chris Turvey and Zoe Thompson

14/20

APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Abi Wheeler

15/20

NOTES TO THE LAST MEETING

The notes to the previous meeting held on the 28 June 2020 were reviewed and

the following was noted.

Page 6 - First paragraph should also include that the Draft Charter had been

compiled in consultation with other members of the Town Council and members of

the local community.

The notes were then agreed.

16/20

OPENING UP THE TOWN

The Group discussed the following matters with regard to the gradual lifting of

lockdown measures:

i. IWC Public Realm Measures

The recent measures proposed by the IWC with regard to addressing social

distancing in Ryde had started with the High Street marked out with two meter

spaced dots, signs on lampposts and stencilled instructions on pavements.

The pedestrianisation of the High Street which is an integral part of the

measures was due to take place on 19 June 2020.

The IWC had indicated previously that there may be a temporary extension to

the pedestrianisation to the Upper High Street leading to the St Johns Road

traffic lights owing to the very narrow pavements. These measures had not

been confirmed and the Planning Clerk would contact the IWC to clarify the

status of both pedestrianised areas of the High Street. Measures for the

Esplanade also needed to be treated as a priority.

ACTION - Chris to contact IWC and expedite pedestrianisation of lower high

Street and Esplanade and enquire on status of the upper High Street.

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ii.

Additional Public Realm Measures

The Planning Clerk advised that he had been in discussions with the IWC’s

Principle Conservation Officer (PCO) with regard to developing a Statutory

Planning Document (SPD) to allow any non-shop front related schemes that

could be streamlined with planning regulations. The PCO would attend the next

HSHAZ Working Group meeting in order to provide further clarity on how this

can be carried forward and this would be reported back to the next Place Plan

WG Meeting.

ACTION - Chris to report back to Group following HSAZ Meeting.

The HSHAZ Project Officer advised that she had attended a Webinar from

Historic England with regard to good practice around part or full

pedestrianisation and the slides would be shared to the group following the

meeting.

ACTION - ZOE to send Webinar slides to group Members

On the issue of Union Street, it was noted that there had been a suggestion

many years back that it needed to be looked at with regard to addressing

needs of pedestrians. The Covid 19 crises had now provided an opportunity

for this to be looked at again and possibly experiment with having it

pedestrianised on certain days. Members of Ryde Business Association would

be consulted on their views and any feedback would be reported back to a

future group meeting.

On the issue of the barriers that were being delivered to be put in Union Street

to allow safer social distancing, all affected businesses had been contacted

and asked to monitor the situation and provide honest feedback once they had

been put in place. The barriers were expected to be delivered in early July.

The Group took into account that the government was monitoring the Covid

measures on a three weekly basis and things may change should the two

meter rule be reduced to one meter.

With regard to Street Furniture, the Chair suggested that a small group could

do a walkabout with a view to future proposals. Subject to any planning

regulations, it was also suggested a temporary banner be erected to say,

‘Welcome to Ryde’, demonstrating that the town was open for business.

Many other existing street furniture and public realm issues needed to be

reviewed and a group could also be set up to identify quick fixes.

ACTION - Diana to set up a small group to look at issues around public realm

The Place Plan consultant advised that the draft Place Plan Annex that was

circulated ahead of the meeting can help to address many of the issues raised

as well as highlighting that post Covid, Ryde was a safe and attractive place

to visit as well as promoting all the positive aspects of the town.

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iii.

Volunteers to Help Implement Measures

The issue around volunteers assisting with the reopening of Ryde was

discussed.

At the previous meeting it was suggested that the Street Pastors could be

utilised as volunteers but this may be a problem owing to age and being

isolated during the pandemic. However there were still volunteers of a younger

age group who could be utilised.

Volunteers had already been deployed in assisting with the Towns Planting of

Flower Beds and Pots by Mike Fitt OBE, chairman of the Royal Parks Guild

assisted in running this and his expertise could help in any future greening

projects with the possibility of setting up a forum.

Volunteers also needed to have a clarity of purpose, pointing out that it wasn’t

just the High Street that was opening up but the town as a whole with plenty of

green and open spaces to take advantage of.

ACTION - Zoe / Malcolm to approach Mike Fitt to put a proposal together.

With regard to volunteers helping out with the reopening of the town, a special

point of contact could be set up and volunteers could all wear Ryde First T-

Shirts to enable easy recognition and be given title of Town Guides. Aspire

could be approached for a list of volunteers and the list of volunteers held by

RTC could also be used, but it’s should be noted that a lot of these helpers

would now had returned to work and not be available.

The Committees and Place Plan Coordinator also stated that the managing of

volunteers by RTC staff may not be possible owing to staff resourcing issues

and Aspire could be asked to assist if possible. This could also be something

that could be a project for the future Stakeholder Group.

ACTION - Zoe to look at putting a volunteer plan together possibly involving

Stakeholder Group

iv.

Ryde Town Council Website and Town Map

The Committees and Ryde Place Plan Coordinator advised that the new

website should be up and running by the end of the month, although the IT

Administrator who was working on it had advised that during the Covid crisis

they had been exceptionally busy. The current website still had many relevant

items on it and any Place Plan updates could still be uploaded to it if need be.

With regard to the Town Map update, the Chair requested that this should be

a priority. The update should advise on any cancelled events and what Ryde

still had to offer. It was noted that this might be able to be designed and printed

in house and distributed to all relevant outlets in a short period of time.

ACTION - Jon to expedite map update and deliver to outlets by next meeting

A - 3

There was some discussion around the ownership of the Southern Vectis Bus

Station forecourt. This was currently owned by the Isle of Wight Council who

charge a peppercorn rent to the bus company. RTC could look to have

ownership transferred to them and be able become a more influential

stakeholder with regard to regeneration.

There would be a meeting between RTC and the IWC to discuss matters such

as shared arrangements and funding services and RTC would need to have a

clear stance on what it can and cannot achieve. There would therefore be an

emergency Chairs meeting to discuss this further.

ACTION - Chris to raise and organise with Lisa

17/20

WALKING AND CYCLING INFRATUCTURE UPDATES

The Portsmouth’s Quieter Cycle Routes scheme was discussed and it was

suggested that Ryde could adopt a similar initiative. Some routes could be

identified with the assistance of Cycle Wight.

In order to finance the scheme, RTC could apply for an Active Transport Innovation

Grant for this should it meet the criteria and funding of up to £3000, match funded

could be obtained which would pay for any design work, maps and advertising /

marketing. Money from Public Realm and Marketing budgets could also be utilised

the grant application deadline was 22nd June 2020

ACTION - Zoe, Malcolm and Will Ainsley to meet and discuss.

With regard to the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), the first

tranche of funding (£62K) was allocated to Cowes and Newport and various

contraflow systems were supported.

With regard to Ryde, the second tranche of money (£280K - £300K) was due to be

allocated and Ryde would need to look at contraflows for cyclists on certain one

way roads as well as erecting cycle racks in more prominent places. Charging

points for Electric Bikes may also be a possibility. RTC would need to have a plan

in place that addresses the most areas in need.

18/20

URGENT ISSUES

The team discussed the possible acquisition of St Thomas Church to RTC. The

Grade II listed building was seen as a possible new base for Network Ryde and

could also be venue too hold council meetings as well as be a possible source of

revenue for other ventures. The Town Councils Acquisition and Commercial

Management Committee would discuss the proposals on 24 June and the Working

Group would be updated in due course on any decision.

ACTION - Chris to update at next meeting

19/20

DATE OF NEXT MEETING AND PARTICIPANTS.

The date of the next meeting would therefore be on Wednesday, 1 July 2020 at

2.00pm via the Zoom Meeting Facility

A - 4