I have read in recent Island publications disturbing news of the decision to proceed with a major scheme at the existing interchange along Ryde front with, what I consider to be, complete disregard for Ryde residents, businesses and the important mainland links to Portsmouth.

As I understand it, many millions of pounds are available for upgrading the area at the foot of Union Street, encompassing the whole of the area from St Thomas's Street along to the bowling alley, and including the provision of traffic lights at the foot of George Street.

The council has stated that it does not need planning or listed building permission for these works, and I would completely disagree with this statement.

Planning legislation requires that any demolition within a Conservation Area requires consent, and further more Listed Building Consent is required for any works pertaining to a listed structure, which the pier and approaches are listed (Grade II).

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I understand the proposal envisages the demolition of the cafe, which appears to have existed for well over 100 years.

I understand that there exists under this cafe the remains of the lighter docking used before the main pier existed.

I believe this is of sufficient historic value to be listed on its own accord, and I would urge the appropriate authorities to proceed to have it listed without delay

The council have stated consultation is open until early August but they will proceed with the formal application on the 15th of this month without this having taken place.

A proper consultation, given the extensive works envisaged, must be undertaken.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ryde Transport Interchange,Ryde Transport Interchange,

I have very deep concerns at the ability of the council to carry out the works — we have the debacle of the floating bridge, the empty ice rink building; the town hall unused for some 20 years and a most unattractive major building in the town; the decades of neglect of St Thomas's Church only now being given proper consideration.

It seems the council can be tempted to throw all this away, by the possibility of cash which would be better targeted to other more appropriate projects.

I can vividly recall the complete upset of the previous work, the constant holding of traffic and delay, the businesses affected, who relied on the visitor spending on the Island and were often left stranded.

I can envisage these current proposals being even more damaging, given the scope of roadworks and demolition set out, I could not conceive of a more inappropriate scheme, I believe this will set back the town for many years — particularly damaging when we are only now beginning to overcome the privations for the Covid outbreak.

I would urge the council to place a hold on negotiations and to pay heed to the wishes and conclusions of a properly set-up and fully rational consultation, with all appropriate parties represented.