Isle of Wight East Conservative MP, Joe Robertson, has convened a roundtable meeting of local leaders in Sandown in an effort to promote local regeneration.
It follows growing concerns for the future of Sandown in recent months and the town being overlooked when it comes to public funding opportunities.
Sandown should be top of list for funding
Ryde received a commitment to £20 million funding from central government in 2023, but the recent round of “Pride in Place” funding did not see any Island towns benefit.
Mr Robertson says that Sandown should be at the very top of the list for support from government because of its unique dereliction challenges.
Among those in attendance at the meeting held at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, were Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones, Bay Business Association Chair Lawrence Bates, Sandown Mayor Alex Lightfoot and Isle of Wight Councillor for Sandown South Ian Ward.
They met with the specific aim of better coordinating voices advocating for Sandown at national, regional and local level.
Robertson: I believe we can help begin to reverse recent decline
Mr Robertson said,
“Many of the problems facing Sandown are obvious. Chief among them is the state of many of its buildings and the condition of the high street. There are also problems with anti-social behaviour, poor educational outcomes and an over-concentration of homes of multiple occupancy.
“I am concerned that the Isle of Wight Council does not see itself as having a role in supporting local regeneration and is often too slow in its own decision-making processes.
“At the same time, central government has also failed to acknowledge Sandown’s unique challenges. The office of the forthcoming Mayor for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight could unlock some funding but the government has shelved those plans for another two years.
“By working better together locally, I believe we can help begin to reverse recent decline and create new opportunities for the people of Sandown.”
Boyd: Sandown has so much potential for a new direction
Ian Boyd, a Sandown Town Councillor, also representing locally-based community and environment organisation The Common Space, said,
“I’m grateful to Joe and his team for convening such a worthwhile meeting, and for this much-needed political focus on Sandown and the challenges that those who live and work here face every day.
“Sandown has so much potential for a new direction, and with it new investment, and it is clear that ‘fixing Sandown’ will unblock so many wider Island issues.
“Whatever its problems, and they are undoubtedly considerable, Sandown matters, to its own community and to the life of the Island, and we all believe that a better future is possible.”
The group plan to meet quarterly and have encouraged residents, business and community groups to get in touch via Joe Robertson’s office ([email protected]) or the Bay Business Association ([email protected]).
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