CLLR Julie Jones-Evans says she is delighted to finally be able to put ambitious levelling-up fund plans into practice.

The Isle of Wight Council is eligible to bid in the second round of the government's levelling-up fund — this time for an Island Green Link.

Earlier this month, it was revealed a fourteen million pound bid would be made to government, to get more levelling up cash, after the Isle of Wight's £5.8 million success last year.

Plans are being prepared to enhance travel between Ryde and Yarmouth by improving cycling, walking, and bus routes, while also making accessibility improvements.

The success of this bid will be bolstered by community support, so the council has launched an online survey to allow anyone who already uses the route between Yarmouth and Ryde to contribute to the bid. 

Paper copies are also available in libraries and at County Hall, or by emailing PFI@iow.gov.uk, requesting a copy and giving your postal address.

Cllr Julie Jones-Evans said: "We've got a few weeks to finalise our bid and we want to include comments from the people who are already making these journeys.

"We have already done plenty of work on these projects, including the West Wight and Gunville greenways, with positive involvement and support from local landowners, and user groups such as Cyclewight and the IW Ramblers.

"I am delighted that we might now be able to put these ambitious plans into practice; not just for the West Wight but extending the route towards Ryde, creating a natural corridor for visitors and locals alike to travel safely and sustainably through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Britain.

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"The new greenway will mean that people will depend less on private cars, and will improve health, wellbeing and air quality.

"The route will also contribute to the council's net zero 2040 target, and provide business growth opportunities, just as the Newport to Sandown route has done.

"I was so proud when we successfully won the levelling-up money for East Cowes, and I'm excited to see the work now actually starting in that town.

"This new transport bid is bigger and more wide-ranging, and will provide benefits across a much larger area of the Island.

"So if you ever travel on the Island, fill in our survey and get your views into our bid."