I have continued to support the staff, in particular the Clerk and Deputy, as they have prepared the Town Council’s structure, systems and priorities in readiness for the advent of the Ryde Town Board. I would like to offer my congratulations to Steve Holbrook (CEO of the IW Chamber of Commerce), who has been appointed as the chair of the Town Board and is currently working with the Isle of Wight Council to complete the Board’s membership – this work will be completed imminently. The Town Council will act as their secretariat, working with the Isle of Wight Council to enable the Board’s projects to progress.
From April, the work of consulting on and preparing a long-term plan for its investment in the town’s development, together with a three year detailed spending plan will begin – this has to be submitted by August 1st 2024 so that it can be agreed with the Department of Leveling Up, Housing and Communities, who will then agree the release of funding for projects, via the Isle of Wight Council. It’s been a busy time and a steep learning curve; there remains no time to lose if the town is to fully benefit from this investment.
On Thursday, RTC and IWC hosted a visit to Ryde by Adam Hawksbee, Chair of the Towns Unit, and a team from DHLUC. It was a very productive and positive visit, allowing the team to view key sites and to discuss possible projects and directions for the Board. Adam has offered to support the work of the board, particularly consultation and development of the ten/three-year plans.
Meanwhile, staff and councillors have continued to work hard to develop and realise a range of projects, to work with residents, and to support other organisations to do so. I’ve continued to meet with key stakeholders, all of whom are very positive about the future of Ryde – and all continue to express a wish to work together to realise the potential of the town and its ability to better support its residents and businesses, as well as offering visitors a memorable experience.
Amongst the usual activities, meetings, and training in the full and exciting life of a councillor, since my last report/our last full council meeting I’ve been involved in supporting and attending the following meetings and events. It’s the lull between Christmas and the summer season; I seem to have been rushing about all the time, but there are only a few events to show for it…
Joined the Community Development Officer to meet the Family Liaison Officers from Ryde’s primary schools.
Met with Bob Seeley MP to discuss banking in Ryde, amongst other things
Supported the NWR Youth Action Group’s coffee and cake afternoon, along with a host of other councillors.
Supported the Community Development Officer’s volunteer gardening day at the Riboleau Centre
I also attended the public meeting to celebrate the official end of the Ryde HSHAZ (High Streets Heritage Action Zone) programme. It was an uplifting and positive evening and – whilst the project is officially winding down, there are still exciting things to come (the complete re-paving/redesigning of the pedestrianized High Street, for example, to include rain gardens, seating and a strategically-placed bollard) as well as a strong and lasting legacy that will inform the future (for instance, the shop front design guide). My congratulations to Fiona Capewell and all of the other individuals and organisations who worked so well together to overcome some frustrations and achieve their goals. The fact that the programme’s outcomes are rooted in consultation, embedded in the culture of the town, and supported by carefully constructed and researched planning documents will ensure the lasting impact of this investment in Ryde, and will pave the way for further improvement.
An exciting time to be in Ryde!
My thanks, as ever, to staff and councillors for their continued dedication and work to improve the town and support its residents.