My newsletter has been curtailed for some time due to elections, by elections and now the horrendous COVID-19 pandemic, however throughout that time I have continued to tackle issues in the district. I have also contacted residents when asked for assistance, and there will always be concerns which I am working on in both the medium and long term. I have been out and about visiting those in need, and I am always willing to visit or meet up with you should you ask me to pop round. Contact details below! I have now put some magnetic signage on my car to let you know I am out and about! I have waited until the transmission of Covid-19 is better understood prior to this newsletter.
I am heavily involved with the Respect Ryde project, and apart from litter picking in the area myself, I have enlisted some of the volunteers and some who live within our district. If there are more willing would-be litter pickers who want to lend a helping hand, please contact me. We have a great district, with a good caring community.
Fly tipping has been a problem, however I have managed to liaise with Island Roads and Amey in this regard. It has been good to forge positive relationships with each area of service.
The opening and closing of the Pellhurst Road gates at Ryde Cemetery has been difficult to manage at times, however I have been fortunate to have the support of members of the community who have stepped forward to join a rota system. This has worked very well, however please understand that this is undertaken on a voluntary basis. I think that opening the gates allows an alternative to walking through the streets with seating for a peaceful rest on the way through!
I am disturbed that the Number 37 bus route was changed, ‘producing’ a stop outside a residence which blocks the driveway. I met with the manager of Southern Vectis and am still in discussion! Keeping the Number 37 bus operable is extremely important to our community, and to this end I make sure our voice is heard in the right places, however I am still pursuing answers to the concerns expressed by residents.
I make every effort to keep in touch with the schools in the district and have met with both Headteacher and Chairman of the School Governors at Greenmount. We have discussed parking issues which impact on highway safety, and litter with a wider view on recycling and global warming. I have arranged for the Isle of Wight Council, Island Roads and Amey to participate in school assemblies with possible litter picks around the school area, however due to the pandemic these will be subject to getting back to ‘normal’.
Ryde Academy still has problems which impact negatively on the area, and I continue to make representations.
The broken trees in the area are not forgotten…by me. They will be replaced by Island Roads; however, the Coronavirus halted all work during the spring 2021.
At this time of year thoughts and prayers go out from one member of a family to another. This year is extremely challenging, and if you know of anyone on their own, unable to cope, needing help or consideration, I am here and willing to step up to assist in an appropriate and confidential way. Please use my contact details.
USEFUL NUMBERS
Ryde Town Council 811105
IW Council 821000
Aspire 716020
St Mary’s Hospital 822099
Women’s Refuge 825981
Citizens Advice 823898
Police Non-Emergency 101
NHS Non-Emergency 111
Emergency Services 999
Foodbank 292040
Amey 823777
Social Services 408448
My Kindest Regards and best wishes
Ian Stephens
07970009623
istephens@btinternet,com