Thanks to Evelyn for this report from Monday’s Ventnor Town Council meeting. Ed
The looming problem of the need for the Isle of Wight Council to reduce its budget by £28 million over the coming three years brings real concerns to the Island.
The threat of closures to discretionary services will bring unwelcome changes to the Island. Thoughts of local Councils bearing more of the costs can only add to hardship.
Put very aptly by Councillor Harry Rees talking to me, “We know what we want to protect, but can we afford it.”
He considers that “the budget cuts will be horrendous.”
Harry is also actively following the Governments response to the Assisted Area Status for the Island, consultation for which finishes on February 7th.
Light at the end of the tunnel
Despite the gloom of the impending budget cuts, there was positive news on most items:
Salisbury Gardens: A final decision has been brought forward to the Cabinet meeting on 11th February, negotiations are being pursued on the lease and the rent.
Ventnor Boxing Club is receiving excellent support from investors to enable them to stay at the Methodist church.
Assets of Community Value applications have been successful for Ventnor Library, St Boniface School and Ventnor Youth Centre.
Management of Ventnor Car Parks: While the Town Council has followed the necessary procedures for an Expression of Interest, the Isle of Wight Council has yet to respond.
Crucial time for Ventnor
This is a crucial time for Ventnor and more residents would be welcomed to local Council meetings.
There are always two opportunities to ask questions about items on the agenda or put your view across. Dates of meetings can be found in the Central Car Park, (the second Monday in the month).
PLUS, the website is easy to negotiate and provides all the reports on the subjects above. ventnortowncouncil.org.uk
Image: Adam Baker under CC BY 2.0
