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.
OUTSTANDING PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AT ST MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL SAYS OFSTED
A ‘warm and welcoming’ Isle of Wight primary school has been graded good and outstanding after previously being told it ‘requires improvement’.
Read moreDetailsCAFÉ FOUNDER WARNS PLANS COULD FORCE CLOSURE OF COMMUNITY SPACE
Opposition has mounted to a bid to convert an events room often used by the Better Days Café.
Read moreDetailsGOOD NEWS FOR SWIMMERS AS ISLE OF WIGHT WATERS DECLARED SAFE AND CLEAN
The Environment Agency (EA) has graded 15 bathing spots on the Isle of Wight good or excellent for water quality.
Read moreDetailsCOUNCILLOR CALLS FOR MORE YOUTH SERVICES TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE ‘THRIVE AND ADVANCE’
The Isle of Wight needs more youth services to help young people “thrive and advance”, an Isle of Wight councillor has said following the unveiling of a 10-year government plan.
Read moreDetailsNEW STRATEGY AIMS TO REDUCE DOMESTIC ABUSE AND SUPPORT VICTIMS ON ISLE OF WIGHT
A commitment to preventing domestic abuse and improving outcomes for victims could get the Isle of Wight Council’s seal of approval this week.
Read moreDetailsMP ACCUSES RYDE NEIGHBOURHOOD BOARD OF ‘UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT’ OVER TOWN HALL DEAL
A row has erupted over the future of Ryde Town Hall, with Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson accusing the Ryde Neighbourhood Board of acting behind closed doors to influence the building’s sale - a claim strongly denied by...
Read moreDetailsSHANKLIN HOTEL TARGETS INCREASED OCCUPANCY WITH ROOF TERRACE PLANS
An Isle of Wight hotel with panoramic views of the sea could be expanded with new sitting rooms and roof terraces.
Read moreDetailsVENTNOR KEBAB SHOP OWNER OBJECTS TO FLAT PLANS NEXT TO TAKEAWAY
A kebab shop owner has objected to plans for a new residential apartment next to his town centre takeaway.
Read moreDetailsCRUMBLING 18TH CENTURY BARN COULD BE GIVEN NEW LIFE
An historic farm barn at ‘very real risk of collapse’ could be turned into residential accommodation.
Read moreDetailsSOLAR PANEL PLAN NEXT TO NATIONAL LANDSCAPE REFUSED AS ‘URBANISING FEATURE’
A proposed 120m solar panel array next to the Isle of Wight National Landscape (IWNL) has been refused as an ‘alien urbanising feature’.
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