Isle of Wight News

Carol Court, founder of Isle of Wight charity Ability Dogs 4 Young People, is set to receive national recognition on the BBC One Show this Thursday (January 23).

Land next to an Isle of Wight seaside village will continue to be used for dredging thousands of tonnes of material from a nearby harbour.

Island farmers and land managers are being encouraged to attend the Isle of Wight Farming Conference 2025, taking place on Thursday 27 February at East Afton Farmhouse.

Time is running out for residents to have their say in this year's budget survey.

A 37 year-old man remains in custody this morning (Monday) following a robbery attempt at a Co-op store in Ryde.

The Isle of Wight’s MPs have responded to a report highlighting a “dire situation” with long waits for essential Island health services.

A ‘half-built eye-sore’ in an Isle of Wight coastal village could be replaced with a newly built café.

Following the annual public consultation in October 2024, East Cowes Town Council has decided to increase the precept for 2024/25.

The Isle of Wight is a “postcode lottery” when it comes to young people accessing vital youth services, a Liberal Democrat councillor told County Hall yesterday evening.

An 80 year-old woman has been charged with attempted murder following an incident at a residential address in Newport.

A man has been convicted of sexually assaulting a child on the Isle of Wight.

“Our community has suffered greatly as a result of the new housing estates arriving”, an Isle of Wight councillor has said in response to a proposed 27-house development.

A popular Isle of Wight cocktail bar’s bid to diversify its offering with alternating mobile kitchens in its rear courtyard has been turned down by County Hall.

Artificial rockpools will be included in the reconstruction of a concrete groyne on Gurnard beach, creating essential habitats for marine life.

The Isle of Wight Council has stepped in to tackle the long-standing issues of the derelict Esplanade Hotel on Sandown High Street.

A man has been convicted of stabbing another man in Shanklin.

Police have launched an appeal for witnesses following an incident in Ryde yesterday morning (Tuesday).

Getting a face-to-face GP appointment is “nigh on impossible”, an Isle of Wight resident said in a watchdog report highlighting long waits for Island health services.

Five people have been arrested after police seized items including cannabis, drugs paraphernalia, a knife and two knuckledusters last week.

LINK, the UK’s Cash Access and ATM network, has today confirmed that Cowes will be the first town on the Isle of Wight to benefit from a new banking hub.

Four new female bus drivers will take to the Isle of Wight roads this month - part of Southern Vectis’ drive to recruit more women into the public transport industry. 

Ryde's Leo Leisure has released images of two men who stole from the venue last night (Tuesday).

Two new homes similar in shape to Scandinavian Longhouses could be built in an Isle of Wight seaside village.

A 27-house development could be built in a field next to a large Isle of Wight village.

The chairman of the Isle of Wight Council has called for an extraordinary full council meeting to be held to allow a debate surrounding potential school closures.

Police are looking for two men following an incident that saw a two-vehicle collision in Blackwater last night (Monday).

“There’s going to be an accident at some point”, residents living in Newport have warned, following reports of dangerous driving and parking near the town centre.

The Isle of Wight Council has confirmed its support for the comprehensive Isle of Wight Poverty Reduction Strategy for 2024-2029.

A bitter dispute continues to engulf the business of an Isle of Wight parish council, with fresh infighting following a recent meeting.

A petition protesting the possible cancellation of Isle of Wight Council elections due to be held this year has gathered over 500 signatures.

Isle of Wight police have been investigating a collision in Ryde in which an E-bike with two people on board collided with a pedestrian.

Southern Water says it is working with community groups and businesses to make sure the Isle of Wight’s sewers and treatment sites keep doing their job – and storm overflows are drastically cut.

In line with Red Funnel’s ongoing investment into maintenance and improving the reliability of its fleet, the company has affirmed that Red Jet 7 will now take its turn for annual refit following on from Red Jet 6, which returned to service early last month.

The Isle of Wight Council has successfully commissioned its state-of-the-art energy recovery facility (ERF) on the outskirts of Newport.

The Footprint Trust, a charity dedicated to helping Islanders reduce their carbon footprint, is looking for passionate individuals to join its Board of Trustees.

A proposal for three new houses in a field on the edge of a large Island village and next to the Isle of Wight National Landscape has sparked controversy.

A new multi-use games area will be built in an Isle of Wight seaside town’s popular play park and gardens.

Several key decisions were taken by County Hall’s executive yesterday evening, looking at issues from double yellow lines to vaping.

Isle of Wight buses will be given priority at traffic lights on major routes and fares for under 21s could be capped at £1 as part of plans approved by the council.

A motorcyclist suffered injuries following a crash in Arreton this morning (Friday).

There are ‘no plans’ to combine the Isle of Wight Council with other local authorities as part of a ‘once in a lifetime’ devolution opportunity, County Hall’s leader has said.

County Hall’s executive body has decided the Isle of Wight Council WILL go full steam ahead with the government’s controversial devolution plans.

Sandown Town Council had to close the accessible toilets at St John’s Toilets and Eastern Gardens, following a series of Arson attempts and criminal damage.

Joe Robertson, Member of Parliament for Isle of Wight East, has today (Thursday) called on Council Leader Phil Jordan and his Cabinet to reject the Labour Government’s proposal for a mainland-based Mayor with jurisdiction over the Island.

A former Isle of Wight chocolate shop building will once again be used for retail purposes following a council decision earlier this week.

A key Isle of Wight Council body has voted against proposals to move rapidly ahead with controversial government devolution plans this evening (Wednesday).

The Isle of Wight could see snowfall this evening (Wednesday).

There was a “staggering” increase in emergencies for the region’s air ambulance, as the specialist doctors, dispatchers, pilots and paramedics responded to 2,544 calls for help in 2024 — the most in a calendar year for the lifesaving charity.

The local NHS is urging local people to ‘help us, help you’ by using services appropriately during one of the busiest weeks of the year.

The deadline for entries to the 50th Isle of Wight Sports Achievement Awards has been extended by one week — until Sunday, January 12.

Isle of Wight people who care about the environment of their beautiful Island have just a few days left to apply for support from Wightlink’s Green Innovation Fund.

Emergency services have been called to Newport this afternoon (Tuesday) following a two-vehicle collision which has seen a road closed.

An investigation has been launched after a woman was knocked over in Ryde by two people on e-bikes who subsequently fled the scene.

A ten-surgery dental practice could open in the centre of the Isle of Wight’s largest town.

Ten key decisions are due to be made by County Hall this week.

It’s been a busy weekend due to high winds, heavy rainfall and other incidents.

A 175-year-old Grade II listed building in Ventnor collapsed after being hit by strong winds during stormy weather over the weekend.

Snows Isle of Wight is to close its Forest Road motor park next month, with staff set to be hit by redundancies.

Red Funnel has announced a programme of work will be carried out at its East Cowes terminal between 13 January and 12 February 2025.

Joe Robertson, Member of Parliament for Isle of Wight East, has today (Monday) spoken out against proposals which could see the Isle of Wight Council replaced with a new mainland-based authority.

Hovertravel's services between Ryde and Southsea have been suspended this morning (Monday) as a result of adverse weather conditions.

The Isle of Wight College is inviting people to its Open Evening specifically designed for adult learners on Wednesday (January 8), from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

Police are appealing for witnesses and dash cam footage following a serious collision in Bembridge.

Residents on the Isle of Wight have another opportunity to have their say on proposed primary school closures.

Police are appealing for witnesses and dash cam footage following a serious collision in Bembridge.

Islanders are being called upon to get vaccinated and protected against flu and covid viruses by their local NHS.

The Isle of Wight Council has announced a series of initiatives under its 2024 Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

Do you need financial support to set up a new activity that will support local families?

Four diverse community projects across the Island are set to benefit from major grants from the Isle of Wight Foundation.

With more than four million people crossing the Solent every year with Wightlink, it’s not surprising that some of them leave things behind on ships and at ports.

A three-vehicle crash involving forced the closure of the main road between Newport and Sandown at Arreton this morning (Monday).

A man has been arrested following a drug-driving incident on the outskirts of Ryde.

The chairman of the Isle of Wight Council has called an Extraordinary Full Council meeting to discuss the critical issues of devolution and local government reorganisation, as well as the potential for the local elections to be delayed.

The Isorropia Foundation has been awarded just over £1 million from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund.

The kind-hearted and beloved founder of an Isle of Wight charity has died following a battle with cancer.

NHS Isle of Wight is asking patients and their families to return any unwanted care equipment this New Year.

The Isle of Wight Met Service is warning Islanders of severe gales to see in the New Year.

Another popular late-night Newport venue has closed its doors.

The death of a woman in her 80s led to medical and police teams being called to a Shanklin home on Christmas Day (Wednesday).

Isle of Wight actor Anna Constable is looking back at 2024 as a year when she was acclaimed for her role in a ground-breaking play exploring masking, autism and mental health issues.

This winter, be among the first to sign up for an epic once-in-a-lifetime challenge in support of Mountbatten Isle of Wight — husky sledding in Sweden's Arctic Circle with the Lapland Husky Trail.

The promenade at Totland Bay, linking the Waterfront Restaurant and Widdick Chine has reopened - just in time for New Year's Day walks.

The Salvation Army has been given a festive boost this month, to help it ease hunger and poverty across the Isle of Wight - thanks to a donation by Southern Vectis.

The Isle of Wight Council’s housing service has teamed up with a local business to support the homeless this Christmas, with a donation of hoodies.

The Isle of Wight Youth Trust has gained more than £10,000 in donations and match funding after participating in the Big Give campaign for the second successive year.

Island Roads will resume its highways improvement activity straight after the Christmas and New Year holiday.

In an extraordinary find in the waters off the Isle of Wight, a mantis shrimp - renowned for its unique vision and hunting prowess - has been recorded on video, offering a rare glimpse of this elusive species thriving in UK marine waters.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a fatal collision in Newport.

Emergency services have been called to the main road between Newport and Cowes this morning (Thursday) following a crash involving a motorcycle and pedestrian.

Help is available for Islanders to save money on rising energy bills.

Two fishermen who desperately tied their boat to a Solent buoy after it suffered engine trouble and electricity failure last (Tuesday) night were eventually taken to safety by Cowes RNLI lifeboat.

Wightlink’s Ryde Pier Head is hosting a festive market this weekend with stalls selling unique gifts including jewellery, candles and local fudge, made by creative Islanders.

Police are investigating after a collision in Cowes involving a van and pedestrian, following which the driver of the van failed to stop.

Land near an Isle of Wight seaside village could continue to be used for dredging thousands of tonnes of material from a nearby harbour.

Robert Thompson’s former restaurant in Newport is the new home of Citizens Advice Isle of Wight (CAIW).

A contentious bid to redevelop a house in an Isle of Wight seaside village hit by a major landslide has been appealed following a council refusal earlier this year.

Organisers of the Isle of Wight Story Festival have announced the line-up for the 2025 edition of the family orientated event, which will return to Newport over the February half term.

The Isle of Wight Council today (Monday, 16 December) launches a public consultation to give Islanders the opportunity to have their say on how it should spend its money next year.

 A Cowes family has launched a fundraising campaign to help their compassionate, fun-loving 16-year-old son, who has been diagnosed with a rare type of brain cancer.

Do you recognise this man?

Three men on a fishing trip caught something entirely unexpected after venturing into the Solent from Cowes in a 19 foot boat late on Friday night (December 13) – their rescue completed by Cowes RNLI lifeboat.

The Wightlink CEO has been speaking to Isle of Wight Radio about a range of subjects this week.

Residents and campaigners have expressed their relief after Isle of Wight councillors last night voted to save Godshill Primary School from closure.

The Isle of Wight Council's Cabinet has decided to publish closure notices for five Island primary schools — Arreton St George's CE, Brading CE, Cowes, Oakfield CE and Wroxall.

Strife is continuing to disrupt the business of an Isle of Wight parish council after four Shalfleet councillors broke their silence over recent walkouts.

A former Isle of Wight police officer who died on duty doing the job that he loved has been honoured by the King.

County Hall’s school place planning process, which could see the closure of six Isle of Wight primary schools, has ‘basic flaws’, a councillor has said.

A decision to shut five of six Isle of Wight primary schools earmarked for closure has been provisionally agreed, following a vote by County Hall’s cabinet last night (Thursday).

Nine houses could be built on the site of a now ‘superfluous’ demolition yard in the Isle of Wight’s largest town.

The MP for Isle of Wight West has had his say as the fallout from yesterday's (Wednesday) Vestas announcement continues.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious collision in Ryde yesterday morning (Wednesday).

Trading Standards has issued some new scams for Islanders to beware of.

Red Funnel's vehicle ferries are facing severe technical issues this morning (Thursday) with crossings delayed by as much as an hour.

Isle of Wight East MP, Joe Robertson, has reacted to news that hundreds of staff at Vestas wind turbine factory on the Island are facing redundancy.

A barn looking onto the Isle of Wight National Landscape could be converted into a house, but concerns have been raised over a lack of planning detail.

The fate of six Isle of Wight primary schools could be decided at County Hall today (Thursday).

The Isle of Wight Council has launched a new survey today (Wednesday) for Islanders to have their say on dementia care and support.

Plans for a contentious mixed use development that could be built on the edge of an Isle of Wight village have been revised and resubmitted to County Hall.

The RSPCA has seen an almost 25% increase in animal neglect reports during the first nine months of this year and fears the problem is about to get worse as more pet owners face financial hardship at Christmas.

The festive period is almost upon us, and the IW Council has now released full recycling and waste information.

Following multiple failed expansion bids, a popular Isle of Wight hotel has been granted approval for three new bedrooms providing “high end” accommodation with garden access.

Joe Robertson, Member of Parliament for Isle of Wight East, has today (09/12/24) called on the Isle of Wight Council to freeze parking fares following Small Business Saturday last weekend (07/12/24).

A family-run Isle of Wight café chain could expand its Ryde branch under plans submitted to the Isle of Wight Council.

Emergency services were called to Brading yesterday (Sunday) after being alerted to a single vehicle collision.

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has commended Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary after more than £300K worth of drugs was seized in an intense week of disruption.

A bid to build 14 houses on land near an Isle of Wight village has provoked mixed responses from parish and town councils in the area.

A fire which was came to light last night (Sunday) has left a residential property in Ryde severely damaged.

The Lord Louis Library in Newport is set to 'share the light' this week in a heart-warming display of solidarity, hope and joy.

Orchard House care facility kindly hosted the celebration with a wonderful buffet and cake  for volunteers to share and socialize .

Popular local gym Snap Fitness Isle of Wight has reason to celebrate after being named as a winner at the National Fitness Awards.

Wightlink has issued a statement regarding weekend travel, in preparation of Storm Darragh.

During a recent national week of intensification undertaken by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, over £300,000 worth of drugs have been removed from the streets of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. 

A 60 year-old man remains in custody following an incident at the Red Jet terminal yesterday (Thursday).

THE Bishop of Portsmouth has pledged to appeal against the proposed closure of three Church of England schools on the Isle of Wight.

Positive progress is being made within children's services on the Isle of Wight, according to a new report published today (Thursday) by Ofsted.

Sweet music from local singers and musicians will get Wightlink customers in the mood for Christmas as they cross the Solent in the run-up to the holidays.

Generous specs wearers on the Isle of Wight have donated thousands of glasses to charity over the years and this Christmas is no exception. 

The Isle of Wight Council is today (Wednesday) proposing consideration of the closure of six Island primary schools.

The Isle of Wight Festival has secured a prestigious accolade at the Festival Awards 2024.

Wightlink is once again challenging the people of the Isle of Wight to come up with good ideas to help the Island become more sustainable, through its Green Innovation Fund.

Christmas has come early for four Isle of Wight community centres after they received a share of Southern Water's £30,000 regional Community Fund.

Police are calling on dog owners to be aware of ‘Operation Recall’ to keep our family pets, and local livestock, safe.

Hovertravel services remain suspended this afternoon (Tuesday) after a piece of unexploded ordnance was discovered earlier today.

Appreciating the sea and its impact on positive mental health has inspired a local business to support a surfing charity.

Following on from the successful solar park near Shalfleet, Wight Community Energy – the Island’s only community-owned energy generator – is now searching for candidate rooftops to host solar panel installations.

Nominations are now open for the golden anniversary of the Isle of Wight Sports Achievement Awards and Islanders are invited to put forward a sports person or team they think has given their all in 2024.

The Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre Isle of Wight is hoping to raise £30,000 to offer free help to more households in financial crisis.

The Isle of Wight Council wants to hear from residents and local groups about new plans to improve cycling and walking routes across the Island.

Police are appealing for information and witnesses following a report of assault in Cowes.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal incident on the Isle of Wight on Saturday night (30 November).

A report that a man had fallen from his small boat into the River Medina sparked a major response from would-be rescuers, including Cowes lifeboat, yesterday (Sunday) evening.

A popular Isle of Wight hotel will get a new changing room to serve its outside swimming pool – so bathers don’t have to walk from the pool through the restaurant anymore.

A Ryde farmhouse plagued by trespassers and vandals could be demolished.

Leeson Road, between Shanklin and Ventnor, will re-open on Sunday morning (1 December).

A host of exciting artists have been announced for the 2025 Isle of Wight Festival this morning (Friday), joining headliners Sting, Stereophonics and Justin Timberlake on the bill.

The draft Island Planning Strategy has taken another step forward with the recent appointment of two planning inspectors.

The RSPCA Isle of Wight is appealing to Islanders to get behind their local animal charity this Christmas.

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information following an assault at The Crown pub in Ryde.

Ryde businesses including a popular cinema dating back to the 1930s could receive up to £12,633.14 in facelift grants.

A prisoner who tried to kill a fellow inmate on the Isle of Wight has been handed a life sentence.

A row over election expenses has broken out an Isle of Wight parish council with one councillor labelling the situation “anarchy”.

Ventnor's iconic Royal Hotel has been purchased by a group from London.

Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council is inviting residents to help shape the future of their community by participating in a survey that will inform the new strategic plan and upcoming budget.

A former assistant church organist and youth club worker has been jailed for the non-recent sexual abuse of a child on the Isle of Wight.

Island Roads dealt with around 20 call-outs during Storm Bert over the weekend – the majority of which were for fallen or dangerous trees.

The demolition of a 19th century Ryde school wall posing a “severe safety risk” was yesterday granted consent by the Isle of Wight Council.

A car and motorbike storage space in an Isle of Wight seaside village could be demolished and replaced with an artist’s studio and newly built garage.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have joined forces across the country for a knife crime week of action known as Operation Sceptre and recovered 338 knives and made 20 knife-related arrests.

“A Christmas Murder”, the latest book by Island author Mary Grand has hit number one in the Amazon kindle best seller list.

The Isle of Wight Council leader says he ‘cannot guarantee’ council-owned sites listed for sale will be sold for social housing purposes, despite calls to do so from an opposition councillor.

Motorists are being warned of a scam that sees potential buyers trying to knock money off the asking price by tampering with the vehicle.

The Isle of Wight’s ruling administration has confirmed Island bus fares will go up to £3 following a question at Wednesday evening’s Full Council meeting.

An appeal for the Isle of Wight Council to support small businesses and seek help from Westminster passed without opposition at County Hall yesterday.

Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away £120,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign.

A year after Wightlink introduced the £70 maximum return ferry fare for Isle of Wight residents travelling to the mainland for NHS appointments, there has been an increase of more than 50 per cent in the number of crossings made by Islanders using these discounted fares*.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has funded seven automated external defibrillators (AEDs) that will be in almost continuous circulation throughout the community, as they travel with staff and volunteers to events and talks that the charity attends.

Bird keepers across the Isle of Wight are being asked to protect their birds following an increase in the risk of bird flu.

The innovative Riot Act theatre-in-education performance group returned to the Isle of Wight last week to bring their unique and personal take on road safety and awareness to hundreds of Island students.

A main road in an Isle of Wight seaside town will get two new flats following a council decision today.

Joe Robertson, Member of Parliament for Isle of Wight East, has been appointed as Parliamentary Private Secretary for the Shadow Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) team by new Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch.

Nuclear waste has always been difficult to handle but an Isle of Wight firm is aiming to keep humans further away from the hazardous materials.

The Isle of Wight Council would like to remind parents they can now register their children for primary school admissions, for the September 2025 school term.

Families with infants requiring special care at St Mary’s Hospital can now take a virtual tour of the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) and take a look around the environment and the facilities available to families on the Island.

Work to sink three boreholes along Leeson Road, the deepest of which reaches a depth of 130 metres, is expected to finish this week.

A collapsed culvert in Shanklin is to be fixed to help prevent flooding.

A new tree management strategy has been approved by the Isle of Wight Council — the first time the authority has taken this step.

The Isle of Wight Council has decided to reinstate a series of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), which regulate dog control measures across the Island.

Red Funnel is asking Isle of Wight businesses and residents to nominate their very own Tourism Hero for 2024 – a brand-new accolade launched as part of the annual Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards held earlier this month.

UPDATE: A man from Ventnor who was previously missing has now been located.

ICRTouch has donated various pieces of equipment totalling over £1,000 to the tech students, including 20 HD webcams, an OWL 360 meeting room conference system and Zoom audio recorder, in order to support the college’s T-Level Digital students with their studies.

A man has pleaded guilty to drugs supply offences on the Isle of Wight.

While fire and rescue services across the UK attended fewer incidents last year, deliberate fires continue to waste valuable resources and put lives in danger.

Permeable paving is set to be installed outside County Hall as part of new measures to help protect against storm overflows and flood risks while bringing community benefits.

The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) held an exclusive Isle of Wight away day on Friday, 8th November 2024.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a fail-to-stop collision in Cowes.

Red Funnel has hit a major milestone in its fundraising efforts for its Charity of the Year, the Isle of Wight Foodbank.

Two groups of Island volunteers have been honoured with The King's Award for Voluntary Service.

A ‘vibrant and caring’ Isle of Wight school has been graded as good and outstanding in a recent inspection.

Island projects making a difference in their community could be eligible for a funding boost.

Part of a family-run Isle of Wight hotel could be transformed into three flats.