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.
CQC TELLS EAST COWES CARE HOME TO IMPROVE AFTER IDENTIFYING CARE CONCERNS
“There were also examples where care had not been consistently delivered, which impacted on people’s dignity and experience.”
Read moreDetailsSOUTHERN WATER PLANS TO GO AHEAD WITH SANDOWN RECYCLING PLANT DESPITE OBJECTIONS
Southern Water is ‘going ahead with what they’re going ahead with’ and it ‘doesn’t matter what we say’, a Reform UK Isle of Wight Councillor has said in an update on a controversial Water Recycling Project.
Read moreDetailsCOUNCILLOR SAYS ABANDONED CARS ARE MAKING LIFE A ‘MISERY’ FOR RYDE RESIDENTS
Ryde councillor Michael Lilley said the abandoned vehicles problem has 'got to stop'.
Read moreDetailsPOLITICAL TENSIONS OVER DINOSAUR THEME PARK PLANS RETURN AFTER YEARS UNDISCUSSED
Political tensions dating back years have made a return this week after councillors rejected plans to move forward with an Isle of Wight dinosaur theme park, sending the funding elsewhere.
Read moreDetailsSERIOUS CONCERNS RAISED OVER SCHEME TO BUILD 6 HOMES ON CARAVAN BROWNFIELD SITE
Residents and St Helens Parish Council have raised flooding and traffic concerns over plans for 6 new homes at St Helens Coastal Resort.
Read moreDetailsISLE OF WIGHT MISSED OUT ON ‘GOOD’ CQC RATING BY JUST 1%
An update on the Isle of Wight Council’s adult social care service will be discussed at County Hall today (Thursday), following its ‘requires improvement’ rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Read moreDetailsFUTURE OF SEND SUPPORT ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT TO BE DEBATED THIS WEEK
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reform will come under the spotlight at the Isle of Wight Council this week, amid rising demand and after ‘deep concerns’ with proposed changes.
Read moreDetailsYARMOUTH SAILING CLUB SEEKS NEW CHANGING FACILITIES AS YOUTH PARTICIPATION GROWS
Yarmouth Sailing Club on the Isle of Wight is looking to improve its changing room provision, with a growing number of children using the site as learning to sail becomes more popular.
Read moreDetailsTHOUSANDS NOW WAITING FOR SOCIAL HOUSING ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT AS PRESSURE GROWS
Islanders on the Isle of Wight’s housing register, and homeless households in temporary or emergency accommodation, continue to climb on the Isle of Wight, new stats reveal.
Read moreDetailsHAMPSHIRE AND ISLE OF WIGHT FIRE CREWS UNDER PRESSURE AS OUTDOOR FIRES SOAR
Fire and rescue staffing levels have not kept pace with the risks, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has warned, amid a 54% increase in outdoor fires across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
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