An Isle of Wight town council voted to keep its “vital” Beach Safety Project using funding from an increase in its precept yesterday evening (Monday).
At a Ventnor Town Council (VTC) meeting at Salisbury Gardens, members opted to retain the Ventnor Beach scheme: a first aid, rescue and advisory service involving volunteers, but would go out to public consultation with two options.
Town clerk Katherine Burden said the decision would amount to an extra 49p per week for Council Tax Band D households.
Public consultation
Councillors voted to carry out a public consultation to understand the needs and wishes of the town’s residents.
Two options were presented, both costing £15,000: the first would be to have fully trained lifeguards for two months (July and August), and the second would be to continue with the current provision of first aid, rescue and advisory service involving volunteers over four months.
There’ll be a public consultation night at St Catherine’s Church on 19th February from 6pm, as well as other ways (to be advised) to feedback over the coming weeks.
Cooper: We have to be fiscally prudent – we have to cut our cloth according to what we’ve got coming in
Ventnor Mayor Steve Cooper said,
“The opinions around the table from councillors and members of the public is that we need to retain the service. I’m happy to approve that because none of us wanted to cut the services.
“We don’t want to cut services full stop, but we have to be fiscally prudent – we have to cut our cloth according to what we’ve got coming in.
“We will have to increase the tax burden. I think with a proper communicated rationale as to why we’re doing it, because lives matter and if there’s any chance we’re going to save one life that’s worth doing, if we have a consultation meeting next week with the wider members of our community…that’s probably the most sensible way forward for the community.”
Mr Cooper also raised the possibility of “crowdfunding to secure the provision” or extend it.
Lines: The Beach Safety Team are vital to Ventnor seafront
Abby Lines, owner of Ventnor Beach’s Blake’s Tea Hut, told the press last week,
“The Beach Safety Team are vital to Ventnor seafront. Not only do they provide first aid, but the work they do to prevent accidents and tragedies in the water are paramount. Throughout the season they advise people of water conditions, both tides and weather safety.
“I’ve seen it day after day, helping holidaymakers who have no clue about the water let alone the dangers of Ventnor’s unpredictable bay.
“It’s absolute madness to remove such a vital asset to the town and will absolutely end in a tragedy. People of Ventnor must fight this.”
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
