Many thanks our Ventnor correspondent, Evelyn Knowles, for this report from Monday’s Ventnor Town Council (VTC) meeting. Ed
The important issue of the future of Salisbury Gardens (also known as the Coastal Centre) was high on the agenda. The recommendations were unanimously approved by Ventnor Councillors.
Rew Valley Sports Centre
The future of the Rew Valley Sports Centre followed hard on the heels of the previous item. With the close cooperation of the Isle of Wight Council’s Leisure Management, there are several stages of discussion and preparation to be gone through.
Agreements were approved that should involve commitment and staff time from Leisure Management, as a lead in to discussions with all parties in September, when a Business Case could be studied. Consideration would be requested to include the adjacent Sports Field.
Putting Green and café
A welcome was expressed to Jackie and Richard Tilley who will be taking over the Putting Green and café for the 2014 season.
Our good friends Sue and Chris can now return to their original plans to retire and take tea and cake in their own garden.
VTC’s community engagement recognised
Recognition for the huge effort that has been put into community engagement by the Town Council came from a visiting representative from the Office for Civil Society (OCS), which is part of the Cabinet Office.
Vicky Westhorp, OCS’S member of the Local Intelligence Team stated that, “Ventnor’s work on community rights has clearly not gone unnoticed.”
She was keen to hear more about the work with local organisations and the active community engagement strategy. This is complimentary to both the Council and to the Town’s residents.
Esplanade and beach
Problems with the loading bay along the Esplanade were discussed and the arguments regarding dogs on the beach had been brought to an amicable end. The ban on dogs between May and September being accepted.
Community bus facing problems
The 31 bus is facing difficulties and a working party has now been organised to try and find a suitable arrangement.
The Winter Gardens will soon be boarded up and we await the next move.
The Annual Return will be available on the Central Car Park notice board from 15th and also on the Council website along with all other reports of this meeting.
Image: W E Jackson under CC BY 2.0
