Island Echo spoke with Independent candidate David Groocock (Isle of Wight East) to ask why Islanders should trust him with their vote in the General Election on 4th July. Ventnor hotelier David Groocock first came to the Isle of Wight in 1966 when his parents bought St Maur hotel on Castle Road in Ventnor, and he has lived in the sunny South Wight town ever since. The 68-year-old is a massive fan of his home town – his favourite place on the Island – telling our reporter:
“I love Ventnor’s community feel. It’s unique. The town has lost a great deal, including its pier and railway stations but its resilient and always bounces back.”
What do you love about Island life and what do you do to relax? I love the Island’s natural beauty and the fact that you can walk safely everywhere. There are some wonderful historic houses here, and it has a wonderful community spirit. To relax, I like walking, gardening and playing the piano. The group I most enjoy listening to is Pink Floyd. If you weren’t standing as an independent, who would be getting your vote? I’d vote for the Green party. After the election, I’d consider joining. Why have you decided to stand for MP? I became an independent because I’m disillusioned with the main parties. I’d love to see an independent elected. It would be a first. What do you think is the biggest concern facing the Island and its residents? Most people say the ferries, but I would like to concentrate on the roads. Too many have been closed. The road surfaces don’t last as long as they should. Island Roads are not delivering on the promises they made. We’ve been sold short. Why should Island Echo readers put their faith in David Groocock on Polling Day? People who know me recognise I’ll see things through to the end. I’m a quick learner. I know what the issues are; I’ll fight for the Island in any way I can. Being Chairman of the Members part of the Tourism Board gave me insight into how the Island and its Council work. I was able to see for myself where money had been wasted and how it could be saved. How can the Isle of Wight be improved? I’d like to see levelling up founds coming to the seaside resorts. They’ve been neglected. We need to see investment around the edges of the Island and not just in the centre. What are the priorities for your home town of Ventnor? I’m pushing to get Leeson Road open as early as possible. I’ll make as much noise as I can to keep the pressure up. I’d also like to see the railway return. Nothing is impossible. Finally, can you win the constituency of Isle of Wight East? I’m in it to win it.
We need a motorway, the roads are too slow!
Drive faster then
We need a bridge or Tunnel due to unreliable
overpriced Ferries and a new Floating Bridge.
Why are you in such a hurry?
Spot on about Island toads, although Im not sure how its safe to walk anywhere on the island, certainly not between villages and towns.
Why is he wasting his money? No one will vote for this twit who doesn’t realise this is a national election rather than some council crap.
Is there a candent for the reform party it’s about time we had a change as the Torries are sending this country into civil war on Thier fake promises and I ow back handers so to many new builds on a
overloaded broken Britain
I wouldn’t bother with Deform. Exactly the same as the conservatives with heavy doses of racism and homophobia thrown in.
Did you ever go to school?
Evidently not
Independent is the only one to vote for on the island.
Your use of English is seriously broken