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.
FORMER HIGH STREET STORE TO BRING BANKING SERVICES BACK TO COWES
A former shop in the heart of a town in the north-Wight will become a banking hub with Post Office services.
Read moreDetailsCONCERNS OVER NOISE AND SAFETY AS COWES SEAFRONT VENUE SEEKS ALCOHOL LICENCE
A seafront wedding and events venue's bid for a premises licence will come before Isle of Wight councillors next week amid concerns over noise, disturbance and safety.
Read moreDetailsBATHING WATER WARNINGS MAIN INTEREST IN SOUTHERN WATER AND COUNTY HALL MEETING
A meeting between Southern Water and Isle of Wight councillors to be held later today (Thursday) has been called over mounting public concern for water quality across the Island.
Read moreDetailsBRIDGE WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS LIFTED AT 7 LOCATIONS THANKS TO IMPROVEMENTS
Restrictions have been lifted on 7 Isle of Wight bridges after inspections found they were no longer necessary.
Read moreDetailsCOUNCIL REJECTS RYDE HOUSING PROPOSAL AMID RESIDENTS CONCERNS
Proposals to build a block of 5 apartments on a brownfield site in Ryde have been thrown out following residents’ concerns.
Read moreDetailsREFORM UK EMERGES AS DOMINANT FORCE IN ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Reform UK now has 15 chair and vice-chair committee roles within the Isle of Wight Council, the most of any group.
Read moreDetailsCOUNTY HALL APPROVES NEW APPOINTMENT-ONLY DOG GROOMING BUSINESS IN COWES
The business is hoping to open in a few weeks time.
Read moreDetailsRYDE ARENA REDEVELOPMENT COULD BRING ‘BUZZ’ BACK TO SEAFRONT
Tens of thousands of people could flock to a new seafront sports facility to play padel each year, residents and councillors heard in a talk on plans for Ryde Arena.
Read moreDetailsNEW WOOTTON COUNCIL CHAIR SUGGESTS POPULAR EVENT COULD RETURN NEXT YEAR
The much-love community event could make a return.
Read moreDetailsISLAND ROADS OBJECTS TO PLANS FOR 4 HOMES ON DEMOLISHED PUB SITE IN BEMBRIDGE
A scheme to construct 4 houses on the site of a former pub and hotel has been met with resistance from an Isle of Wight parish council and Island Roads.
Read moreDetails






























































































