Fiona Callingham, Local Democracy Reporter, Author at Isle of Wight News from OnTheWight

9, July 2019·2 min read

Portsmouth City Council could call for primary school SATs to be abolished

One councillor believes SATs are in place to test the teachers rather than the students adding "it's all about the league tables with no regard given to the children". The Cabinet member said she'd get rid of league tables in a heartbeat. Could the Isle of Wight follow suit?

27, June 2019·2 min read

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone plans could include charge for diesel vehicles registered before 2015

Measures that 'may be introduced' in Portsmouth include vehicles registered before 2006 or diesel vehicles registered before 2015 faced with a charge to enter the city.

10, June 2019·2 min read

Portsmouth council asking for views on possible £8 per day Clean Air Zone covering Portsea Island

Islanders who regularly drive through Portsmouth may wish to take part in this survey calling for views on a possible £8 per day clean air zone charge in the city.

3, June 2019·2 min read

Portsmouth City Council staff urged to tell police about potential Trump protestors

Leader of Portsmouth council said it was not appropriate to be asking people to inform on others in this way. "We don’t live in a society where that is acceptable.”

23, April 2019·2 min read

Virtual reality gaming centre could be coming to Portsmouth

High-end Virtual Reality equipment is really expensive. There's a move across the Solent that could see VR experiences become rentable by the half hour.

Supporters in Portsmouth of declaring a Climate emergency

20, March 2019·2 min read

Portsmouth City Council declare Climate Emergency

Our neighbours across the water, Portsmouth City Council, have just become one of 49 local authorities in the UK to declare a climate emergency.

19, March 2019·2 min read

£8/day to drive a car through Portsmouth is being discussed

With the number of places in Portsmouth above 'safe' NO2 levels increasing, the council are looking at a range of possible ideas including introducing an £8/day charge for car use.

18, February 2019·6 min read

Portsmouth skyline to change when two landmark towers torn down after failed inspection

The skyline of Portsmouth looks like it's going to changing soon. Here are the details of the two tower blocks coming down and why.

13, February 2019·1 min read

No-deal Brexit plans for Portsmouth likened to ‘Dad’s Army comedy’

Many people on the Isle of Wight have been wondering what impact a no-deal Brexit might have on travel through Portsmouth. One of the city's councillors says the plan being drawn up has "Dad’s Army written all over it".

19, June 2018·1 min read

Adopt South: Isle of Wight could join forces with Hampshire on adoption

Following a Cabinet meeting at Portsmouth City council today, the Isle of Wight could combine adoption services with three other Hampshire councils.

7, June 2018·1 min read

Apparently there’s been a rumour that Donald Trump might visit Portsmouth

A Sunday paper reported the US president’s July visit to the UK could see Trump stop by Portsmouth. The leader of Portsmouth City Council says he's not sure Trump would receive a warm welcome.

6, June 2018·1 min read

Solent LEP invests millions, but still under-spent last year

For the 2017-2018 financial year, the Solent LEP was expected to spend more than £32m, however a report has shown it only used £10.7m, with almost £3m still unallocated.

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