Ryde Town Council is being urged to take a more active role in supporting local businesses and tackling the growing number of empty shops in the town centre, with calls for closer collaboration to help revitalise the high street.
The issue was raised during Tuesday evening’s meeting of Ryde Town Council by a member of the public, Paul Wyatt, who questioned whether enough was being done to support the town’s business community.
Mr Wyatt said other town and parish councils on the Isle of Wight, including Newport and Carisbrooke, Bembridge and Cowes, work closely with local businesses by producing promotional leaflets, maps and other initiatives.
Earlier this year, he voiced concerns about the increasing number of vacant commercial premises in Ryde and suggested establishing a panel to better understand the challenges businesses are facing. At the time, he said the town needed a “vibrant centre”, capable of attracting new businesses while supporting those already established.
Addressing councillors this week, Mr Wyatt said he had recently met with Zoe Thompson from the We Love Ryde business initiative, which is backed by the Ryde Neighbourhood Board (RNB).
He asked councillors:
“You said that the Ryde Neighbourhood Board stepped in and they’ve come up with some money. Is that all we’re prepared to do, or are you prepared to let them take on the hot potato and deal with it?”
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Mr Wyatt said there was considerable scope for improved marketing of the town and argued Ryde Town Council should play a more active role through both councillors and council officers.
Referring to the council’s Place Plan Committee, he added:
“You have a committee for your Place Plan which states very clearly that actions and improvements to the town’s public realm and green spaces are going to be looked at. That’s a good thing.
“I’m sure all our councillors will agree that business and hospitality are vital for a town and residents.”
Responding, Ryde Mayor Councillor Karen Lucioni said she sits on the Ryde Neighbourhood Board and would arrange a meeting with Ms Thompson to discuss how the Town Council could support the We Love Ryde initiative.
Councillor Ian Stephens agreed it was “a very good idea” for the council to back Ms Thompson and the wider business community.
Councillor Pippa Hayward also highlighted the importance of developing a clear long-term plan for Ryde alongside the Ryde Neighbourhood Board and the Isle of Wight Council.
She said:
“I think the business community is a fundamental part of that, along with youth and various other spaces.”
