Lloyds Bank Foundation has met local residents and businesses in Sandown to help tackle systemic social challenges with potential funding opportunities in the future.
Organised by Isle of Wight East Conservative MP, Joe Robertson, the meeting of local stakeholders at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary focused on specific local challenges including dereliction, deprivation and a lack of opportunities, particularly for young people.
Left behind town
The Lloyds Bank Foundation, an independent charity set up by Lloyds Bank, has been involved in UK Government Pride in Place funding areas across England.
It is now seeking to widen its place-based funding in the Autumn to include up to 100 towns which are not benefitting from formal Pride in Place funding with Neighbourhood Boards like Ryde.
Joe Robertson met with Lloyds at the beginning of the year to make the case for Sandown which led on to the local visit last week.
Joe Robertson said,
“I was pleased to bring Danielle from the Lloyds Bank Foundation to Sandown, to introduce her to local leaders like Lawrence Bates from the Bay Business Association; Alex Rennie, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner; and Ian Boyd from the Common Space; and to show her around the Bay area.
“The Foundation have a strong background in working with left behind towns with strong local leadership so that is why I wanted to make some personal introductions with people who could one day form part of a ‘Neighbourhood Board’.
“Sandown is too often left behind when it comes to national support which is first and foremost about money, but it is also about time, tools and connections.”
Sandown’s challenges distinct from Ryde’s £20m windfall
Mr Robertson when on to say,
“Ryde will directly benefit from £20 million of funding announced by the last Government in October 2023. Sandown has many of its own challenges and I want to make sure that every avenue is explored to ensure that the Town does not miss out on placed based funding to address deep seated societal challenges.”
Stakeholders back push for national recognition
Mayor of Sandown, Alex Lightfoot, said,
“My thanks to Joe for arranging the meeting, we had a wide range of stakeholders including our new Isle of Wight Councillors.
“There was a lot of consensus around the room on the issues Sandown is facing, and a need to make sure we are ready for any opportunities that arise.
“Joe’s focus on Sandown as an area in particular need of additional help is very much appreciated.”
Formal proposal expected ahead of summer follow-up
Joe Robertson will be working on a formal proposal for a follow up meeting later in the summer.
News shared by the office of Joe Robertson, in their own words. Ed
