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.
QUESTIONS RAISED OVER TRANSPARENCY OF RYDE TOWN HALL PURCHASE PLAN
An independent partnership which earlier this year unveiled a vision to invest £19.5 million of public money in Ryde has again drawn criticism over the future of Ryde Theatre (Ryde Town Hall).
Read moreDetails‘MUCH-NEEDED’ DOG WALKING FACILITY BLOCKED BY COUNCIL OVER COUNTRYSIDE CONCERNS
Plans for a ‘much-needed’ dog-walking facility on agricultural land in the Isle of Wight National Landscape (IWNL) have been refused.
Read moreDetailsNEWPORT WOMAN WINS APPROVAL TO RUN HAIR SALON FROM GARDEN OUTBUILDING
A hair salon business serving around 4 or 5 clients per day will operate out of a garden shed in the Isle of Wight’s county town.
Read moreDetailsSEASIDE CAFE GRANTED ALCOHOL LICENCE WITH EARLY MORNING HOURS APPROVED
An Isle of Wight seaside cafe described as a hub to ‘meet, refuel and explore’ has been granted a full premises license.
Read moreDetailsCOUNCILLOR LATEST TO SLAM ‘ROAD CHAOS’ AFTER HITTING 5 CLOSURES ON SINGLE JOURNEY
A parish councillor is the latest person to vent frustration about the 'ridiculous' number of road closures on the Isle of Wight.
Read moreDetailsEND OF AN ERA AS FORMER RESTAURANT APPROVED FOR CONVERSION TO HOME
A former Isle of Wight village restaurant, which traded for some 27 years, will be transformed into residential accommodation.
Read moreDetailsISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL BACKS CONTINUED USE OF RENTAL E-SCOOTERS AND E-BIKES
Rental e-scooters and a bike share scheme will continue to be part of the Isle of Wight’s transport mix.
Read moreDetailsEON GIVEN GREEN LIGHT FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION
An electric vehicle charging station will be built on a prominent vacant brownfield site in Lake.
Read moreDetailsFORECASTS SUGGEST REFORM UK COULD UNSEAT SENIOR ISLAND COUNCILLORS
One prediction suggests Reform UK could win more than half of the Isle of Wight Council wards...
Read moreDetailsWOOTTON BRIDGE VOTERS HAVE 6 CHOICES IN UPCOMING COUNCIL ELECTION
Wootton Bridge residents can vote Green, Local Conservative, Vectis Party, Reform UK, independent or Liberal Democrat. Confirmed candidates on the ballot paper are Sue Betts (The Green Party), Ed Hopper (Local Conservatives), Linda Pauline Pitcher (Vectis Party), Tony Raffe (Reform...
Read moreDetails





























































































