Brighstone Parish Council have recently conducted a residents’ survey in relation to motorcycle racing going through the village.
The village is on the route for both The Diamond Races and Isle of Wight Road Races, both postponed this year, but planned for Spring 2022.
1,070 expressed their views
The parish council survey attracted 499 ‘valid household responses’, with 1,070 people expressing their views. In the last Census (2011) there were 1,600 people living in the village.
31 per cent wanted the races, and 69 per cent did not.
Stuart: “I welcome the decisive result”
Brighstone parish councillor, Nick Stuart, told News OnTheWight,
“Having campaigned in the recent election against the races I was keen that the Parish Council held an early survey, overseen by the neutral Parish Clerk.
“Accordingly I welcome the decisive result, while recognising the number of people happy to see racing.”
Stuart: “Enormous downsides” of high speed racing
Cllr Stuart went on to say,
“Speaking to senior political figures on the Isle of Man, receiving comments from Isle of Man residents, and talking to local Islanders it is clear that high speed racing on Island Roads would have enormous downsides.
“Issues include race safety, year round dangerous amateurs; environmental damage, doubtful economics and incompetent organisation demonstrate how the fundamental rural character of West Wight could be destroyed.”
Stuart: “Simple arrogance” of organisers
Cllr Stuart had previously accused accused the organisers of taking a ‘lackadaisical’ approach to their consultation.
He said,
“Their PR and ‘done deal’ approach, and collective failure to provide accurate information or follow basic legal guidelines was simple arrogance.
“We have heard the voices of the Brighstone public against this racing in West Wight, recognising that many people would like sporting events and support for the rural West Wight.”
Article edit
2.45pm 13th Sept 2021 – Headline amended to include ‘who responded to survey’
Image: smudge9000 under CC BY 2.0
