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.
POPULAR ISLE OF WIGHT FISH & CHIP SHOP TO BE LOST FOREVER
The owners of Lake Fish Bar have been granted planning permission to make the former business part of a residential property.
Read moreDetailsEXPANSION PLANNED FOR COWES FACILITY SUPPORTING THOSE WITH DEMENTIA
The Isle of Wight Alzheimer’s Cafe in Cowes could be expanded with improved facilities, amid forecasts of an increasingly ageing Island population.
Read moreDetails120M SOLAR ARRAY PROPOSAL SPARKS ROAD SAFETY CONCERNS IN CALBOURNE
A proposal for a 120m solar panel array next to the Isle of Wight National Landscape is facing resistance from Calbourne Parish Council and Island Roads.
Read moreDetailsHEALTHWATCH REVEALS ISLANDERS’ STRUGGLES WITH GP, PHARMACY AND MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS
Healthwatch Isle of Wight has highlighted access issues relating to Jhoots pharmacies, community mental health and online GP services in its September-October findings.
Read moreDetailsHEALTH BOSSES PRAISE ‘MASSIVE’ RISE IN GP APPOINTMENTS ACROSS ISLE OF WIGHT AND HAMPSHIRE
Hampshire and the Isle of Wight saw nearly 75,000 more GP appointments in September 2025 than in the same month last year, an NHS board meeting heard earlier this week (Wednesday). Lara Alloway, chief medical officer at NHS Hampshire and...
Read moreDetailsHERITAGE GROUPS WARN OF ‘HIGH DEGREE OF HARM’ FROM RYDE FLAT CONVERSION PLANS
Plans for 3x 1-bedroom flats above a popular Ryde curry house could cause a ‘high degree of harm’ to a historic building’s special architectural significance, a heritage group has warned. Applicant S Miah’s proposed conversion of the first and second...
Read moreDetailsCOUNCIL INVESTIGATES SHANKLIN HOTEL OPERATING AS HMO ‘WITHOUT CONSENT’
An ‘extremely tired’ and ‘rundown’ former Shanklin hotel, being used as a HMO ‘without consent’, is under investigation by council enforcement officers. Roseglen, on Palmerston Road, closed in September 2021 and is now partly occupied by a House in Multiple...
Read moreDetailsLONG LEASES PROPOSED FOR FIVE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL-OWNED SITES
Long leases could be granted for 5 Isle of Wight council-owned properties and sites, including a multi-use games area, pre-school and beach cafe. Councillors are to decide on a recommendation to full council for the granting of long leases in...
Read moreDetailsISLE OF WIGHT PATIENTS WITH COMPLEX NEEDS FACE YEARS-LONG DENTAL WAITS
The waiting times for Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s NHS Special Care Dental Service are 'over 2 years', a health watchdog has told County Hall. Speaking at the adult social care, public health and housing needs committee last week (30th...
Read moreDetailsAPPEAL LODGED AS PLAN FOR RETIREMENT PARK HOMES IN NEWPORT REJECTED
An appeal has been filed over a refused bid to build 16 retirement park homes on the edge of the Isle of Wight’s county town. County Hall previously rejected Luxury Retirement Living’s proposal for 9x 2-bedroom units and 7x 3-bedroom...
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