Since our last Ordinary Full Council meeting in September, staff and councillors have continued to work hard to develop and realise a range of projects, and to support other organisations to do so.
Even as the nights draw in, it’s an exciting time to be in Ryde; there is much to celebrate, but there remain many opportunities for improvement. The key improvement that is most discussed and at the forefront of the Council’s agenda is the addition of public toilets in the centre of town. Plans are in place and work is imminent for this to be part of the former Nat West building’s use and we should soon have a timescale for these to open. The building continues to be used, particularly by RTC for meeting space, as the RTC chambers in Lind Street are at capacity as offices. We began to host public meetings on November 5th and will continue to use it until renovations begin in earnest. The building is now officially known as 11 St Thomas’s Square and, as soon as the Council has a permanent staff presence here during the day, it will be ‘rebadged’ more clearly. At the moment, staff (crucially the clerk/deputy clerk and front of house staff) continue to work from the Lind Street Chambers.
The Ryde Town Board has received an update from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, confirming that up to £20 million of funding and support will remain available over the next decade. The information received thanked those concerned across the country for working hard to consult and develop plans, confirming that this work should not be undone. However, the Board will need to await further guidance. I quote:
‘The government will work in partnership with the 75 places across the UK that were previously selected to receive funding under the Long-Term Plan for Towns, alongside local and devolved government, to supercharge the delivery of the five national missions. Each place will receive up to £20 million of funding and support over the next decade, giving communities the space and resource to build their vision for renewal and target the root causes of deprivation.
‘This reformed programme will bring together residents, business and community representatives to drive forward the change they want to see and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, can benefit.
‘A revised prospectus for the programme will be published in due course, confirming the associated timelines and a new set of strategic objectives aligned to this government’s missions.’
The crucial bits to note are ‘revised prospectus’ and ‘in due course’; the Board is not yet in a position to be able to move forward, and the first delivery grants will be received in 2026/27. Meanwhile, the Ministry has confirmed that there will be an additional £200,000 of capacity building funding to support further consultation and research.
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 – and a reason to return.
Amongst the usual activities, meetings and training in the full and intoxicating role of a councillor, I have, since our last full council meeting, been involved in supporting and attending meetings and events, including:
Representing Ryde Town Council on both the Steering and Working Groups of the RTC/University of Portsmouth MoU.
Opening and attending the inaugural Steam Punk Festival.
Attended (as an observer) meetings of the Ryde Community Development Trust .
Supported the RTC Beach Accessibility presentation to Diametrix, who have supported this successful initiative.
Attended the Network Ryde coffee morning, raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Attended the Youth Council meetings at Ryde Academy, working with the Co- Chairs and Principal to enable us to gain a youth voice independent of the Council to inform our work.
Attended the Creative Island creative industries conference.
Wrapped presents for the Christmas stocking appeal led by Anastasia Capewell, hosted by the Victoria Arcade.
Attended meetings between the Community Development Officer and primary school Family Liaison Officers.
Attended the monthly Community Forum meetings.
Visited the construction work at Department and discussed the forthcoming opening.
Laid still and tried not to breathe at the Network Ryde murder mystery event.
Represented Ryde Town Council at the re-opening of the Police Station front counter.
Used all the glitter glue at the Hallowe’en pumpkin decorating session.
Supported the UoP student research into the viability of/need for a Dotto Train.
Represented the Town Council at Remembrance Services, including:
The dedication of a new standard for the Parachute Regimental Association, IoW Branch.
The Ryde Social Heritage Group.
The service, parade and wreath-laying at All Saints Church and Lind Street.
The service led by Ryde School.
Coming up alarmingly quickly, we have the joy of Merry and Bright on Friday, December 6th (5 – 8pm), which is bound to be a treat – fingers crossed for a crisp, dry and busy evening. I know that staff are working hard with other organisations and businesses to make this a particularly special event – I hope to see you there.
My thanks, as always, to staff and councillors for supporting much of the above, and for their continued dedication and work to improve the town and support its residents, businesses and events.