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.
HEALTHWATCH REPORT HIGHLIGHTS CONCERNS OVER GP ACCESS, DENTISTRY AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Concerns about the increasing use of online GP services, access to crisis mental health support, and NHS dentistry have been highlighted in an Isle of Wight watchdog report.
Read moreDetailsISLE OF WIGHT SOCIETY JOINS CALLS TO REFUSE PLANS FOR VICTORIA BARRACKS
The Isle of Wight Society has joined calls to refuse an ‘intrusive’ plan for toilet and shower facilities at a historic building in East Cowes.
Read moreDetailsEAST COWES PHARMACY REOPENS AFTER MONTHS WITHOUT SERVICE
An Isle of Wight coastal town has regained a pharmacy this week after a new provider took over from the troubled Jhoots chain.
Read moreDetailsENVIRONMENT AGENCY FLAGS ‘UNACCEPTABLE RISK’ OVER COWES FIRE TRAINING PLANS
Concern over a potentially ‘unacceptable risk of contamination’ has been raised in response to a fire training facility scheme at an Isle of Wight farm.
Read moreDetailsISLE OF WIGHT FERRY OPERATORS RESPOND TO FARE RISE FEARS AMID OIL PRICE SURGE
Ferry operators Wightlink and Red Funnel have responded to the question of whether there will be fare increases amid oil price volatility and conflict in the Middle East.
Read moreDetails£200,000 BOOST FOR ISLE OF WIGHT SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUBS SUPPORTING LOW-INCOME FAMILIES
Hundreds of thousands of pounds will be spent providing healthy meals, enriching activities and free childcare on the Isle of Wight this Summer.
Read moreDetailsOVER £500,000 CLAIMED IN ALLOWANCES BY 8 ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCILLORS OVER 3 YEARS
Over £500,00 has been drawn in allowances and expenses by 8 independent Isle of Wight councillors over a 3-year period.
Read moreDetailsKINGS HEAD IN YARMOUTH GIVEN GREEN LIGHT FOR EN-SUITE B&B ROOMS
A proposal for ‘high quality’ and ‘boutique’ en-suite bed and breakfast rooms at a West Wight pub has been granted conditional planning permission.
Read moreDetails£3,000 UPGRADE PLAN PUT FORWARD FOR ROOKLEY SKATEPARK
Upgrades and repairs that could cost £3,000 are on the cards for a skatepark in Rookley.
Read moreDetailsPLANS FOR NEWPORT HMO AND FLATS REJECTED OVER ‘POOR LIVING CONDITIONS’
Proposals to convert a former Newport GP surgery into an 8-bed HMO and 3 flats have been refused by Isle of Wight planners.
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