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.
GOLDEN ARCHES LANDS IN LAKE AS 5TH ISLAND EXPANSION GIVEN GO AHEAD
Islanders are set for a rapid McDonald's takeover as yet another site has been given the green light by County Hall in what feels like just a couple of months.
Read moreDetailsNEW CHILDREN’S HOME FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN CRISIS PLANNED FOR EAST COWES
Children deemed to be in crisis could be provided with a new home in East Cowes.
Read moreDetailsRYDE CARE HOME DEEMED IN BREACH OF LEGAL LEGISLATION AND ‘REQUIRES IMPROVEMENT’
The care home, which cares for older people and those suffering with dementia, has been rated 'requires improvement'.
Read moreDetailsCOUNTY HALL SAYS THERE IS ‘NO SECURED FUNDING’ FOR RETURN OF RYDE SPLASH PARK
'The existing infrastructure is no longer operational and cannot simply be repaired'.
Read moreDetailsBID TO EXPAND HARROW LODGE HOTEL WITH YOGA PAVILION REFUSED
A major extension scheme for an Isle of Wight clifftop hotel, including a yoga pavilion, restaurant and enhanced outdoor seating area, has been refused.
Read moreDetailsRYDE TOWN COUNCIL SEEKS TALKS WITH PROSPECTIVE BUYERS OF DERELICT RYDE ARENA
Multi-million-pound plans to redevelop the former ice rink in Ryde may be brought before Ryde Town Council for discussion.
Read moreDetailsNEW CHAIR OF NEWPORT AND CARISBROOKE COMMUNITY COUNCIL PROMISES OPEN APPROACH
Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council’s new chair has said ‘inclusivity is key’ and encouraged residents to share their ideas for the area.
Read moreDetailsBRIGHSTONE BARNS SET FOR NEW COMMERCIAL FUTURE AFTER COUNCIL APPROVAL
Four disused farm barns in the Isle of Wight National Landscape have been granted new flexible commercial uses.
Read moreDetailsSHANKLIN CONSERVATIVE CLUB TO BECOME HOME TO NEW 6-SURGERY NHS DENTIST
Plans to turn the first floor of Shanklin Conservative Club into a ‘much sought-after’ NHS dental practice have been given the green light.
Read moreDetailsSANDOWN HIGH STREET PREMISES TO RETAIN SHOPFRONT AS NEW FLAT APPROVED
A former Boots store in the seaside town of Sandown will house new residential accommodation, but retain a commercial usage.
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