A decision will not be made yet on the plans for Ryde Interchange – as Islanders are worried about the scheme, citing a lack of opportunity to air their views.
A six-week consultation on the highways part of the £10m project does not end until 3rd August but, last night (Thursday, 15th July), leading councillors had been recommended to allow the final say to be made under delegated powers.
Delays could jeopardise project
Council officers had warned delaying the decision to a later cabinet meeting would make it extremely unlikely the project would be completed by the March 2023 deadline and said a delay risked other elements of the scheme, like the railway station and tramway pier.
Residents were concerned their voices would not be properly heard if the director of neighbourhoods had been given the green light to make further decisions, using the ongoing consultation as a guide.
Lilley: A gun against the council’s head
Speaking at the corporate scrutiny meeting earlier this week, Cllr Michael Lilley said the limited decision time was like putting a gun against the council’s head.
He said ‘petitions and grumbles’ could have been avoided with more, and earlier, engagement.
Under the project, there are proposed changes to the highways network along Ryde Esplanade, including the layout of the bus station, a new road to the pier and a traffic light junction at the bottom of George Street.
Bacon: A problem with engagement
At the Isle of Wight Council cabinet meeting yesterday (Thursday), Cllr Jonathan Bacon said he had been approached by people in his ward, Brading and St Helens.
He said,
“Historically in relation to this, there has been a problem with engagement and information to date.
“[This change] recognises there has been a problem, but that it can be addressed through a proper listening process and it can be properly considered before any decision is made.”
Extraordinary meeting to be held
Cabinet members unanimously agreed to defer the decision, after member for infrastructure and transport Cllr Phil Jordan proposed moving the matter to a cabinet meeting in September.
If the decision needed to be made before September, Cllr Jordan said an extraordinary meeting will be held instead.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
