Isle of Wight News

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.

A suspected drink-driver remains under investigation today (Tuesday December 24) following an arrest on Sunday.

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.

A proposed 14 house development on the edge of an Isle of Wight village has attracted growing resistance as part of a consultation which ended on Friday.

A bid to keep a waste recycling plant near two Isle of Wight villages has encountered opposition from a parish council.

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

An Isle of Wight pub dating back to the 17th century will get new ‘high quality’ bed and breakfast accommodation.

An Isle of Wight town centre could get two new ‘low-cost’ flats.

A casualty has been airlifted to Southampton's Major Trauma Centre following an overnight collision near Porchfield.

Yarmouth's RNLI Lifeboat was called into action following reports of a sailing vessel suffering engine trouble in the Solent.

Ryde Academy students have once again shown their compassionate spirit by generously donating to two worthy causes this Christmas.

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

A special Christmas challenge is working to help charities double the donations they receive over the festive period - including the Isle of Wight Youth Trust.

The chair of the Isle of Wight Council has said he is “absolutely furious” about County Hall’s handling of the Cowes floating bridge replacement process.

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight's fire authority has said it will be £6 million short this year – but officers are confident the deficit can be bridged.

It's exciting news for fans of the arts on the Isle of Wight, as Department - Ryde approaches completion.

The Isle of Wight Council is reminding residents of how to safely and responsibly dispose of sharps this Christmas, as its waste collection teams face busier conditions than ever.

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has urged parents not to buy electric scooters for their children for Christmas.

A controversial application to vary a condition attached to a housing development in an Isle of Wight village was turned down yesterday evening.

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.

A 19th century stately home and popular Isle of Wight events venue will have its facilities upgraded as part of a renovation.

An Isle of Wight primary school has been described as ‘welcoming’ and ‘highly ambitious’ following a recent ungraded inspection.

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.

An ‘exciting, home-from-home’ Isle of Wight nursery and pre school has been labelled ‘outstanding’ by an inspector.

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.

A Ryde farmhouse troubled by trespassers and vandalism will now be demolished, despite an objection from a nearby resident.

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).

A popular Isle of Wight cocktail bar may be about to diversify its offering with an ‘alfresco mobile kitchen’ in its rear courtyard garden.

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

A letter urging ‘immediate safety measures’ be implemented on a busy Island road as a ‘matter of urgency’ has been sent to the Isle of Wight Council.

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.

Low-income households on the Isle of Wight will once again receive food and utility support vouchers to help with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Here's a gallery of some of our favourite images from across the Isle of Wight!

Islanders gathered at the Ryde Memorial on Lind Street last Sunday November 10 to remember the fallen from 2 World Wars and other conflicts on Remembrance Sunday 2024.

Officers across the Isle of Wight will be taking part in a national week of action to tackle knife crime.

A stunning collection of birds of prey are taking flight once more at Robin Hill after new owner and CEO, Lee Priddle, came to the rescue of Island company, the Falconry Experience, who were facing an uncertain fate.

A woman has been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) for persistent drunken and aggressive behaviour, and shoplifting around Newport on the Isle of Wight.

Police are encouraging people to keep sheds and outbuildings locked up, and to keep tools secured and locked away when not in use - following three recent incidents on the Isle of Wight.

Cowes Enterprise College has received a prestigious award in recognition of its support for students’ wellbeing, health, and academic achievement.

Calbourne based IFPL Group has announce that Finnair has selected its Cobalt Spectrum LED mood lighting with wireless control for the cabin upgrade of its Embraer fleet.

Six young pilots who died when their Hawker Typhoon planes crashed into the sea off the Isle of Wight in June 1944 have been honoured at a service of remembrance at Parkhurst Military Cemetery.

Cowes RNLI lifeboat went to the aid of a lone sailor on a grounded 32 foot yacht on the Hampshire shore in the early hours of this (Friday) morning.

Solar panels will be fitted on the roof of a popular Ryde public swimming pool as part of works approved by the Isle of Wight Council this week.

NFU Mutual Agents and their staff at the Island office recently nominated local charity Mountbatten Isle of Wight to receive a donation of more than £6,500 from NFU Mutual’s national £1.92million ‘Agency Giving Fund’.

Joe Robertson, MP for Isle of Wight East, has taken the Government to task in the House of Commons for increasing pressure on health and social care providers.

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway (IWSR) is saying a fond farewell to one of its locomotives, which is chugging its way to a new home near Northampton.

A water quality testing program, which began in July, has been initiated in Wootton Creek, with joint funding support from Wootton Bridge Parish Council and Fishbourne Parish Council.

Police are urging residents in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to remain vigilant following six reports of courier fraud in the last two weeks.

The Isle of Wight Council will be represented at a number of services of Remembrance this weekend.

A bid to alter conditions for an approved onshore part of ‘England’s leading’ tidal energy project was discussed in detail by the Isle of Wight Council last night (Tuesday).

Southern Vectis is offering its support to local charities, schools, sports teams and events organisers this November, as part of a good causes initiative.

The Floating Bridge between East Cowes and Cowes is facing further issues today (Tuesday).

The Government has confirmed that millions of pounds allocated to Ryde via a new Town Board will finally be delivered.

St Mary's Hospital has opened its new community diagnostic centre this week.

Do you recognise these men?

A contentious application for a renewable energy park near Wootton Bridge has been resubmitted to the Isle of Wight Council.

The Isle of Wight Council has reached a major milestone by submitting the Island Planning Strategy (IPS) to government.

Southern Water is planning to create a new sustainable source of water for the Isle of Wight to help keep taps and rivers flowing, especially during a drought.

Residents are up in arms as Palmers Road, a quiet residential area of Wootton Bridge, is threatened with an 833% increase in HGVs according to the applicants' own figures.

Cowes RNLI lifeboat responded to a call to assist in dealing with a fire incident aboard a 36 foot yacht, with one man aboard. in the River Medina last (Saturday) evening – to assist Bembridge coastguard and other emergency crews.

A spokesperson for Robin Hill has explained the issues that affected last night's (Thursday) Halloween event at the country park.

Can you help Amazon World to find four escaped raccoons?

Can you help bring festive cheer to a child's Christmas Day?

A ‘no waiting at any time’ permanent parking restriction on Seaview’s High Street could be approved next week.

The takeover of Freshwater dentistry by a new provider “remains on track” despite the NHS still waiting on approval from a health and care watchdog.

Over a million pounds in cost-of-living support was approved on Monday by the Isle of Wight Council.

A new study from The University of Manchester reveals a severe level of microplastic pollution within the Medina Estuary.

Do you recognise this man?

Newport's Quay Arts Centre is reaching out for community support in an urgent restoration appeal to preserve its historic home.

A refused barn conversion application described as a ‘visual encroachment’ by the Isle of Wight National Landscape has been appealed.

Southern Vectis is showing its support for the Royal British Legion - with bus drivers wearing poppies throughout the period of Remembrance.

A couple from the Isle of Wight were shocked when a charity shop frame purchase resulted in the discovery of a legendary Kodak snap.

A major consultation on proposals that could result in the closure of six Isle of Wight primary schools finishes on Friday.

A new, free programme helping Island businesses to develop opportunities in exporting, innovation and collaboration, has been launched.

Chief Executive of Mountbatten, Nigel Hartley MBE, will retire in October 2025 after spending over a decade with the hospice organisation.

Residents and businesses in Ryde on the Isle of Wight have welcomed the official reopening of the town’s police station to the public.

Island residents have just one week left to take part in a major consultation on proposals to tackle the high number of surplus places in Isle of Wight primary schools.

Southern Vectis is urging its passengers - particularly in more rural areas - to ensure drivers can see them when they are waiting at stops.

A multi-talented Isle of Wight boy has had the pick of some of the country’s top state-funded grammar schools after excelling in 11-plus exams across the country.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has today (Thursday) released its report into a collision between a road-rail vehicle and a trolley near Brading, on 22 November 2023.

A proposed electric vehicle (EV) charging zone in the car park of Newport’s Morrisons supermarket has been approved.

Police have released an image of man they would like to speak to following a shoplifting incident in East Cowes.

Several prolific scams are being reported on the Island in the build up to Christmas.

Only around 14 per cent of a three-year-old Ministry of Justice (MOJ) grant has been spent by County Hall on maintaining Newport’s prison estate roads.

The Isle of Wight Council is urging residents to be vigilant of fraudulent SMS messages being circulated.

A Shanklin charity has sought consent to replace the Grade II listed Shanklin Theatre’s “very badly corroded” five first floor front windows.

A government funded scheme allowing eligible Island residents to apply for free upgrades to make their homes more energy efficient has been the most successful in our region.

A revised bid to build 12 houses with vehicle and pedestrian access on the edge of Newport has met with renewed backlash.

Work is underway on a new Community-Led Housing project in Ryde — one of the first of its kind on the Island.

With just days before the deadline, we’re being asked to vote for the Island as the best in Europe.

The HELP Appeal has granted £300,000 towards the relocation of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance airbase and charity headquarters to a site near Southampton Airport.