Isle of Wight council leader Cllr Dave Stewart is due to be in the hot seat on Monday for a meeting of the Ryde Society.

He is expected to deal with, among other issues, questions about plans to sell off Ryde Harbour and threats to build houses in the countryside and along the seafront.

At the same time, Richard Reis, business development manager of WightFibre, will discuss plans to roll out super high speed broadband to the Island.

The society’s chairwoman, Stella Davis, said she hoped people who attended the meeting would begin to “realise that Ryde is on its way up and will go away feeling very positive.”

She added: “Our beautiful town is beginning to be recognised.

"We will have news of flags and new businesses, of festivals and gardens, so come along, buy a drink at the bar or in the coffee shop at The Esplanade and enjoy finding out what Ryde is really about.”

The society was launched last July but membership is growing rapidly and as many as 200 people have attended recent public meetings.

Ms Davis added: “An opportunity to meet our council leader, Cllr Dave Stewart, is not something we often get, and no doubt there will be a lively discussion.

"The information from Wightfibre will confirm that we are at the forefront of technology.”

There will also be a presentation from Francesca, of the Modern Kitchen Garden, who will show that we have new food opportunities when we buy locally.

The society is currently looking for a secretary with the time, energy and enthusiasm to keep the records.

The group also needs someone to be responsible for looking at planning applications on a weekly basis to check what the implications could be for Ryde.

Monday's meeting takes place at the Esplanade hotel, opposite the pier, at 7pm.