The leader of the Isle of Wight Council has had to defend a visit to Floating Bridge 5 — after pictures appeared to show the group may not have been adhering to COVID guidelines.
It emerged last week a group of Isle of Wight councillors comprising of the leader of the council Cllr Dave Stewart, transport chief Cllr Ian Ward and opposition councillors Lora Peacey-Wilcox and Karl Love, visited the old vessel in Gosport to see the condition it was in, despite no longer owning the boat.
Since the pictures emerged, the group has been criticised for apparently not sticking to COVID-19 guidelines — such as the Rule of Six, wearing face masks and socially distancing.
When asked about the visit, Cllr Stewart said he thought they had endeavoured to comply with the guidance as far as was practical in the circumstances and “I took all reasonable steps to keep myself and others safe”.
Cllr Stewart said masks were worn when necessary on public transport and he ‘confirmed from the outset’ there would be a maximum of 6 in the group, agreeing ‘to attend on that basis’, as he did not arrange the visit.
In some pictures, however, there is a seventh person, a worker, spotted with the councillors, but according to government guidelines, before the second lockdown was enforced, the Rule of Six did not apply to work meetings.
Cllr Stewart said:
“I wore a face mask onto the transport barge as well and then kept myself distanced. However I took my directions thereafter from the captain and crew and also stood where it was safe and acceptable to meet health and safety requirements.
“We were all outside on the transport barge so mitigation was further provided in that way and as is shown in photographs I had my jacket hood up as well for additional personal protection.
“I certainly kept my social distance as far as practical.”
Cllr Karl Love also said the group did its best to socially distance in its group of 6.
Giving feedback on the visit, Cllr Stewart said what he had seen was a ‘rusty wreck’ with no intention of bringing it back. However, Cllr Ward said the vessel could go back into service but it would cost ‘an awful amount of money’.
Just do as your told whilst MPs and councillors do as they want. They said sorry so that’s okay then.
Sorry for what? They clearly didn’t break any rules. They are in a group of six and its not a requirement to wear a face covering out of doors. If a seventh person joined in uninvited that’s hardly their fault. FAKE NEWS!!!
No social distancing, check the pictures.
Seeing as councillors don’t stick to any rules is this really a surprise. Perhaps ‘ol Pugwash Stewarts on the look out for a new pirate ship!!!
Good to see Dave Stewart defending himself again just like he did when defending his outrageous council expenses claim last year.
Stop going on day trips and do some work.
He’s not defending himself and neither should he because neither he nor any of the others in the group did anything wrong. As for his expenses claim, he didn’t defend it he explained it. There’s a difference, which may be lost on you.
Once again, no social distancing, were you one of that group then?
Wasting our money, as they do every day.
Vote these useless, self serving councillors OUT next time.
I’m willing to bet that neither you nor any of the other moaners on here are willing to stand as a Councillor. Its easy to moan about everything and blame the council for everything that’s wrong in your sad lives, but when it comes to getting off your backsides and actually doing something about it? Nah! Can’t be bovvered mate…….
Tory fascists like you sure are funny.
Never voted Tory in my life! Just can’t stand ignorant moaners who blame the council for everything.
Councillors are supposed to be voted in but mostly it goes by who you know. If your face don’t fit, and don’t roll over like a puppy then you will get nowt
Councillors are voted in. Where is your evidence for your above statement? Il bet a penny to a pound of muck that you never bother to take part in the democratic process. Moan, moan, moan…..
You in the same lodge as them?
Cllr Stewart said he thought they had endeavoured to comply with the guidance as far as was practical in the circumstances and “I took all reasonable steps to keep myself and others safe”
So we are all ok to do as we please if we think it is practical in our circumstance?
You dont need to keep any one safe we all know the rules so why do you think you have to keep others safe just do as your told by the gov.
It’s about time these idiots in positions of power realised that they need to lead by example during this pandemic and to be pictured in close contact with other people without wearing face masks just send the wrong message to all that see these photos. The cock and bull story by DS. is just insulting to the people of the Island.
“Do as I say, not as I do”. What a lame excuse, and why haven’t they mentioned the real reason for the visit, not the cock and bull stories that we’re fed.
Don’t worry guys…just means we dont need too stick too rules either!not that they legal and make any sense
Well, I hate to be unoriginal, but to coin a popular motif on these pages – vote them OUT.
….and stand for election yourself? No, I thought not.
You ARE one of that group, my, my there’s a surprise !
Wrong! I refer you to my comment above about ignorant moaners.
Ignorant moaner, no not really, you are just blind if you cannot measure 2 metres, they are clearly NOT 2 metres apart.
do you trust the man at the helm
Ahh “Stewart the ostrich”.. You cannot defend the indefensible but then again you can’t educate stupid it’s like playing chess with a, pigeon.. Or in our Councils case “flock of”! Clocks ticking Stewart get your bags packed!.
A jolly good jolly