Island Echo always welcomes letters to the editor, which may of course not reflect the views of the publication and its staff.
This letter is in response to the one-way diversion between Newport and Cowes, which has been causing significant disruption.
Letter to the editor – Monday 19th May 2025
“As a Cowes Town Councillor, I’ve been inundated with complaints from residents and local business owners who are absolutely furious about the roadworks on Horsebridge Hill and, more pointedly, the disgraceful way in which the Isle of Wight Council has handled the situation.
Article continues below this advertisement “Let me be clear – no one I’ve spoken to is against the construction of much-needed social housing. They are angry about the complete lack of communication, consultation, and consideration shown to the very communities these developments are supposed to serve. The chaos caused by the road closures and diversions has been immense, but the real insult has been the silence and confusion that accompanied it.
“Businesses have lost trade. Commuters have lost hours in their day. Parents are struggling with school runs. And all the while, the Council appears more concerned with deflecting blame than taking any meaningful responsibility. Council Leader Phil Jordan’s recent comments do nothing but reinforce this view, pointing the finger at developers, Island Roads, and anyone else available, as if the Council has no role in the very schemes it authorises.
“This sort of buck-passing is not just unacceptable, it’s dangerous. It creates a culture where no one is accountable and the public are left in the lurch. The Council’s ongoing dispute with Island Roads may explain some of the dysfunction behind the scenes, but it certainly doesn’t excuse the complete breakdown in public communication.
“People don’t expect miracles, but they do expect honesty, transparency, and leadership. Right now, they’re not getting any of the above. This is not the first time the Isle of Wight Council has mishandled a major issue, and unless there is a serious rethink in how projects like this are planned and communicated, it won’t be the last.
“The Island deserves better. Our residents deserve better. And I, for one, will continue to speak up until the Council starts treating them with the respect they are owed.”
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Jock Rafferty
Cowes Town Councillor
Too be honest the Council are doing no
different to what politicians do.
Parties blame the previous party who was in
power etc etc
Also politicians tell us one thing prior to
voting day and once in power they go back
on their word.
This type of behaviour has been going on
for years, the pandemic was no different,
even politicians didn’t know the rules
they set!
All roads lead to the Councillor responsible, our dear leader Phil J. It is shame his Alliance colleagues still support him.
Decent signage in good time, is what we need, Island roads.