Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter
Rufus is the Local Democracy Reporter for the Isle of Wight, a role he took up in August 2024.
The role, which focuses on subjects such as council meetings, planning applications and matters of democratic interest, is funded by the BBC as part of the national Local Democracy Reporter Scheme - or LDRS.
REFORM UK’S BID TO CHAIR NEW REGIONAL AUTHORITY SPARKS ISLE OF WIGHT POLITICAL ROW
Reform UK is facing a backlash from political leaders on the Isle of Wight over its push to chair the new Hampshire and Solent Combined Authority (HSCCA).
Read moreDetailsSCHOOL CLOSURE ROW SET TO RETURN AS COUNCILLORS ASKED TO RESTART REVIEW OF SURPLUS PLACES
The Isle of Wight's bitter row over primary school closures could be reignited today (Thursday), with councillors set to consider restarting work that could ultimately lead to more schools facing the axe.
Read moreDetailsPUB PLAN BREWS FOR FORMER VEGAN DELI BUILDING IN SANDOWN
The former vegan deli could become a brand new pub. Cheers!
Read moreDetailsISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL BLAMES LANDLORD EXODUS FOR RISE IN HOMELESS HOUSEHOLDS
Questions have been raised over why there has been a rise in households bearing the brunt of the Isle of Wight’s housing crisis.
Read moreDetailsUNUSED MILKING PARLOUR COULD STILL BECOME OFFICE AFTER APPEAL
Refused plans to turn an old milking parlour into business space have gone to appeal after the Isle of Wight Council labelled its rural location ‘unsustainable’ for the proposed use.
Read moreDetailsFORMER OFFICE AND NHS PREMISES IN NEWPORT SET FOR RESIDENTIAL CONVERSION
An historic Isle of Wight town centre property last used as part of an NHS surgery will be turned into a 4-bedroom house.
Read moreDetailsISLE OF WIGHT CANCER PATIENTS LEFT ‘EXHAUSTED’ BY MAINLAND RADIOTHERAPY TRAVEL
The Isle of Wight’s lack of radiotherapy to treat cancer has a ‘huge impact’ on patients and families, a new report from the Island’s health watchdog has found.
Read moreDetailsMAN ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED RYDE MARINA FRAUD – POLICE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
A 37-year-old man from Ryde has been arrested on suspicion of fraud by abuse of position.
Read moreDetails44 NEW SEND PLACES ACROSS 2 ISLAND SCHOOLS AWAITING CONFIRMATION
Plans to create 44 additional Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) places across 2 Isle of Wight schools will go before councillors next week in response to an 'urgent need' for specialist provision.
Read moreDetails£1 TOILET BLOCK SALE, WINTER GARDENS AND WEDDING VENUE – 3 MAJOR COUNCIL DECISIONS
The Isle of Wight Council has been signing off on some very big and significant decisions recently, including backing the sale of a toilet block in a key tourism area for £1, granting a licence to a wedding and events...
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