Ryde business support raised at Isle of Wight town meeting

Member of the public Paul Wyatt probed Ryde Town Council (RTC) on Tuesday evening (July 21), saying councils in Newport and Carisbrooke, Bembridge and Cowes ‘all work’ with businesses, including producing ‘leaflets and maps’.

Earlier this year, Mr Wyatt expressed concern over growing numbers of empty shops in the town and suggested creating a panel to find out what firms are ‘up against’.

He previously said Ryde must have a ‘vibrant centre’, attract new enterprise and protect existing businesses.

Speaking on Tuesday, he said he had met with Zoe Thompson of the We Love Ryde business initiative which is supported by the Ryde Neighbourhood Board (RNB).

Paul Wyatt (centre) at RTC (LDRS)

Mr Wyatt asked councillors: “You said that the (Ryde) Neighbourhood Board stepped in and they’ve come up with some money. Is that all we’re prepared to do or you’re prepared to do is to let them take on the hot potato and deal with it?”

He added that ‘a lot’ of marketing can be done and there is a need for RTC to be involved, including input from officers and members.

“You have a committee for your place plan which states very clearly that actions and improvements to the town’s public realm and green spaces are going to be looked at,” he said. “That’s a good thing.”

“I’m sure all our councillors will agree that business and hospitality are vital for a town and residents.”

Ryde mayor Karen Lucioni said in response that she sits on RNB and will arrange a meeting with Ms Thompson, seeing how RTC can support her.

Ryde mayor Karen Lucioni (LDRS)

Cllr Ian Stephens said it was a ‘very good idea’ that RTC support Ms Thompson and the business community.

The development with key stakeholders of a ‘clear plan’ for Ryde that works in tandem with the RNB and County Hall was mentioned by Cllr Pippa Hayward.

“I think the business community is a fundamental part of that, along with youth and various other spaces,” she said.