Anyone who has driven through Shanklin recently will be aware of the work taking place to create a new public square.
The public space will be officially opened next Friday morning at 10am with the event organised to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Lord Palmerston becoming Prime Minister.
What has that to do with Shanklin you might ask? Well Lord Palmerston was an Island MP for the pocket Borough of Newport and Shanklin has a road named after him.
Who’ll be in attendance?
Shanklin Town Crier Shirley Ballard will be making herself heard whilst, Town Mayor Lynda Fleming, Priest in Charge Alan Swanborough, Leader of IW Council David Pugh, will be lining up to do the honours of officially opening the Square and presenting certificates to the headboy/girl from Shanklin Church of England Primary School, Simon Lock and Elizabeth Martin.
Town Mayor Lynda Fleming said “We have worked with the IW Council to improve road safety in this area, improve accessibility for disabled people, and retain parking in this part of the Town.”
Leader of IW Council David Pugh is also a town councillor for Shanklin said “Although there a few finishing touches to be added, the Square will help join Regent Street up with the High Street and Old Village – as well as be a reminder as to how Shanklin used to be.”
Lynda finishes by saying “I would like to thank our partners for making this happen, and am sure that the Square will be used by residents and tourists alike.”
