The concreting works have been finished in the skatepark. We need to still remove some of the perimeter fencing and put safety around the quarter pipe.
On the morning of the 25 October devasting floods affected the area around The Strand and Binstead. The Environment Agency has now released a report into the flooding in the Strand area. Flood report EA Flood Report
Ryde Town Council has no powers to act with either Flood Prevention or Emergency Management, nevertheless, efforts were undertaken to aid local residents. This assistance included the provision of skips for those with no insurance, assisting with the disposal of damaged furniture and the distribution of additional sandbags. The Beachfront team also helped clear the damage at the Tidal Family Support Centre on Rink Road who had experienced extensive damage as a result of the water ingress.
Flooding also affected the Eastern Gardens toilet block with all parts of the building being affected by the water. I would like to thank the cleaning team for their hard work getting the block cleaned and opened so quickly.
Quarry Rd allotments were also flooded with many of the lower lying plots being affected. The force of the water flowing down the site has also caused erosion on some plots and pathways. Officers have been working with the plot holders affected and are installing some boarding on the gateway near Well Street to slow the flow of the water in future.
The force of the water exiting the Monktonmead outfall has also forced a lot of the sand on the Eastern side of the Marina towards the Marina entrance causing the channel to be narrowed. There will be a cost to get this sand removed, however this can now be removed by land rather than water based dredging which is far most cost effective. As a temporary solution to widen the entrance the end section of the visitors has been relocated. We are working with experts from Portsmouth University to develop a long term
solution to prevent this happening in future.
The drone survey has been completed at Vectis Hall, we are now working with the surveyor to put measures in place to protect the building for further decay.
Quivers launches the festive celebrations on Friday 1 December by lighting up the Christmas Tree in Minghella Square! Join us from 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm as Quivers spreads the sparkle!
Our second festive event is Merry and Bright on Friday, 8 December from 5 pm to 8 pm. The Lantern Parade kicks off at 6 pm, commencing at Aspire and
winding its way through Star St, High St, and Union St. The Christmas Arena in Town Square will be a hub of excitement, featuring face painting, a wishing tree, live music, dancers, and an aerial hoop workshop. Meanwhile, Minghella Square hosts Santa's sleigh and more music. The Neon Garden at St Thomas' Rest Gardens offers interactive activities, illuminated artworks and digital projections. Don't miss Veron Square's magical willow sculptures and the tempting treats of mulled wine, hot chocolate, and mince pies. Explore The Royal Victoria Arcade's craft market, while Union Street promises a thrilling lineup with an open-top bus, police vehicle, fire engine, and lots of static and roaming performers. New for this year is Santa’s grotto! Free parking is available from 4 pm onwards at St Thomas Street Long Stay, St Thomas Street Short Stay Car Park, and Co-op Car Park. Full timetable to be released soon.
Ryde Town Board Monies – We are still awaiting guidance from the central government regards to the 20m awarded to Ryde. We are working with the IWC to ensure we are able to move quickly as soon as the guidance is released to ensure everything is in place within the required timescale.
St Thomas Church – Report from Project Manager.
Tim Wander.
Project continues to move along well –
Most upper works including decorating will finish this month including alarms second fix and testing on the 13th. LED upper strip lights are in and tested along with general lights and large feature lights now on site.
The full internal squirrel cage scaffold is planned to come down w/c 11th Dec – there will be no site access for two days during these works – once down chapels and upper balcony areas will be decorated followed by entrance halls. Colours for downstairs to be agreed this week (please).
The roof is now fully insulated to 300mm (400sq m) and some upper precautionary support/repair works undertaken.
Annoyingly the main church tower roof – the only part not done last year has now failed with some water ingress into the tower now being addressed.
Bathroom works are reaching final stage with second fix lights, extraction, plumbing and ancillaries all due to complete this month. Some minor roof repairs were needed.
Kitchen is now on site and first fix carcass works underway (with first fix electrics) to allow first fix plumbing next week.
Gas meter is in. Wight Fibre first fix and internet cable is in. Electric meter works are in planning. CCTV now agreed and first fix going in.
Pods structures are all complete with exception of door frames. Fire door framing and plaster boarding only to one side to allow first fix electrics to complete this month and are underway. Offices ready for plaster first week in January and decoration first week February.
Planning conditions continue to be ticked off one by one – updates sent to architect for drawing changes.
All four external drainpipes and hoppers were replaced just in time for the deluge(s).
After final meeting with Conservation Officer for church perimeter repair works drawings and plans are underway for two phases of work.
Decisions required from NR on external lighting, ground floor colours, doors and handles (please).
Memorial garden electrics planned and will be operational for 1st December. Church up-lighting still waiting details from Neal – chased.
Tim. 10/11/23 [Ends]