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.
NEWPORT AND CARISBROOKE COUNCIL BACKS ARMED FORCES COVENANT
The local authority for the Isle of Wight’s county town has agreed to support members of the Armed Forces community.
Read moreDetailsISLANDERS REPORT NEGATIVE EXPERIENCES WITH GP AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Long waits for GP appointments, ‘difficult’ access to mental health crisis support and the cost and quality of care at some dental practices are key issues facing Islanders, a watchdog has found.
Read moreDetailsVENTNOR BOTANIC GARDEN FACES PUSHBACK ON PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
A project seeking to enhance Ventnor Botanic Garden's has drawn criticism from a local council.
Read moreDetailsELLIOTT’S ANTIQUES IN RYDE RECEIVES PRAISE FOR SMART NEW SHOPFRONT
The repainting of a former sweet shop in the heart of the Isle of Wight’s largest town has received glowing feedback from patrons, its owner has said.
Read moreDetailsPLANNING SOUGHT TO DEMOLISH ‘TOTALLY DAMP’ HOUSE AND BUILD NEW 5-BED SELF-BUILD
A ‘totally damp’ building ‘full of rotten timber’ off an Isle of Wight main road could be transformed into a modern 5-bedroom house.
Read moreDetailsVIX LOWTHION SURVIVES NO-CONFIDENCE VOTE AT EXTRAORDINARY COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING
The chair of the Isle of Wight county town’s local authority survived a no-confidence vote at a tense extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on Monday night (8th December).
Read moreDetails61-POINT RECOVERY PLAN FOR UNDER-FIRE CORONER’S SERVICE ENDORSED BY COUNCILLORS
A hefty 61-point Recovery Plan for the Isle of Wight’s under-fire Coroner’s Service has been endorsed by County Hall.
Read moreDetailsVENTNOR DOGGY DAY CARE PLAN BACKED BY TOWN COUNCIL AND RESIDENTS
A proposed new day care facility for dogs in Ventnor has attracted support from residents.
Read moreDetailsRESIDENTS OBJECT TO ROOF TERRACE AT HISTORIC UNION INN IN COWES
Plans to enhance a historic Isle of Wight pub with a roof terrace and pergola have prompted noise and fire concerns from neighbours.
Read moreDetailsCOUNCILLORS BACK STRAY DOG PLAN INCLUDING FEES, REHOMING AND WELFARE STANDARDS
A new policy to manage stray dogs on the Isle of Wight, aiming for public safety and animal welfare, has been agreed by county councillors.
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