Since our last Full Council meeting in November 2024, 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 winter storms rattle through, Ryde remains a vibrant place to live, work and visit; 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 still the addition of public toilets in the centre of town. Plans are in place and work is imminent for the addition of accessible toilets (accessible to all) at the RTC building at 11 St Thomas Square. I am also informed that when Department opens in February/March 2025, there will be publicly accessible toilets there as well.
The Ryde Town Board has begun to move forward again after the lull following the change of national government. There are monthly meetings and there is much to do in preparation for delivering projects and improvements to the town. The outcomes of last summer’s consultation process continue to be analysed and to inform planning and discussion. I am convinced that, once funding begins to be released in April 2026, the Board will be in a strong position, ready to make a significant and sustained difference to our town.
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 remain 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 – with many reasons to return.
Work on the revised business plan for Ryde Marina continues, ready to make the most of the many improvements that have been made, including provision of electricity, improvement of security, additional pontoons and hospitality provision. All we need now is a long, hot summer.
Amongst the usual activities, meetings and training in the full and exhilarating role of a councillor, since our last full council meeting, I’ve 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
Representing Ryde Town Council on Ryde Town Board
Attended (as an observer) meetings of the Ryde Community Development Trust
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
Attending meetings of the Ryde Academy Council
Switched on the lights in the rain and supported the celebrations (indoors) at Merry and Bright. Particular thanks to the staff team and colleagues from the New Carnival Company, Shademakers, and Aspire, amongst others for acting quickly to enable this event to carry on despite yet another storm.
With the High Sherriff, supported the presentation of a large number of DofE bronze awards at Network Ryde
Cllr Elliott attended the Ryde Rowing Club awards night
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.