The Isle of Wight Council’s representative for Parkhurst and Hunnyhill said it is “really disappointing” that prison estate roads upgrades have not gone further but public money should be “spent well”, not just fast.
In an interview today, councillor Andrew Garratt said he has tried to get the council to “crack on” with getting a contractor for the Newport roadworks, pushing “every month” at project board meetings for updates.
The Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats’ leader spoke out in light of a revelation yesterday that County Hall has so far spent only around 14 per cent of a three-year-old £6.3 million grant from the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) on maintaining council-owned prison estate roads.
He pledged to bring up the issue with Wendy Perera, chief executive officer of the Isle of Wight Council.
In April 2021, County Hall reached a deal with the MOJ to take control of some of Newport’s prison estate roads, with £6.3 million granted for maintenance purposes.
A council spokesperson has said £869,000 has been spent on street lighting upgrades and drainage surveys.
The councillor did however add some caveats:
“These were estates that had been neglected for decades when they were owned by firstly the Home Office and then Ministry of Justice.
“I think I’ve still got photos of the terrible state of the street lighting that was on the estates.
“If you go round now the street lighting is fantastic – it’s brought visibility and security to residents – so I’d stress that it was a really important thing that the council did agree to take on the responsibilities and take the money that was on offer from the government.
“It is frustrating that it has taken so long but I think when you’re spending public money, you spend it well, you don’t just spend it fast.
“The Isle of Wight Council has many other competing pressures on its highways department as well – particularly the awful situation down at Bonchurch with Leeson Road.”
Mr Garratt added it would not be acceptable to “rush” an upgrade.
A council spokesperson has said in reference to remaining funds from the MOJ:
“In priority order – to carry out any necessary repairs to the drainage network to ensure it is fit for purpose, to repair the road surface and potholes where necessary, to remove unnecessary street furniture.
“The £6.3m is held in an earmarked reserve and drawn down when spent/needed.
“There is no budget line in 24/25 as we are still waiting for the outcome of the tender process.”
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