2 Sandown Town Councillors have announced their intention to stand for election at County Hall next month (7th May), saying a change in representation is needed to help move the town forward.
Paddy Lightfoot and Alex Lightfoot, of Together for Sandown, say they have long maintained they would not run for the Isle of Wight Council, but now feel it is the only way to continue their work locally.
In a joint statement, the pair say they have the backing of fellow Together for Sandown councillors and local residents, adding that their focus will remain firmly on the town.
Paddy Lightfoot & Alex Lightfoot, Together for Sandown councillors, have said:
“Together for Sandown has had a clear plan and agenda since last years Town Council elections, the main opposition that we have consistently been coming up against, is that of our own County Councillors.
“Paddy and I spent many years saying that we’d never run for County Council, unfortunately we find ourselves in the position where we feel that the only way to continue to help drive the town forwards is through a change in representation at county level.
“We’re very happy to have the support of all of the Together For Sandown councillors and so many residents, and we will continue to do the best that we can for Sandown.”
They say that, if elected, they will prioritise Sandown while also working with councillors across political parties for the benefit of the wider Isle of Wight.
The statement also challenges claims that planning restrictions are preventing development in Sandown, describing such assertions as “fundamentally flawed and untrue”.
Paddy Lightfoot & Alex Lightfoot, Together for Sandown councillors, have said:
“We have now seen multiple Island media sources, citing planning rules as a block to development in Sandown, based upon assertions by a current Sandown county councillor.
“These assertions are fundamentally flawed and untrue, evidenced by the fact that in Sandown the Esplanade and Sandown hotels have been granted mixed use and the Kings Bar has been granted residential permission. Most recently a Shanklin seafront hotel has been granted change of use to fully residential.”
They also raise concerns about private sector investment, citing examples of properties in Sandown that remain undeveloped despite having planning permission.
Paddy Lightfoot & Alex Lightfoot, Together for Sandown councillors, have said:
“The same Sandown County Councillor asserts that private investment is the answer to Sandown’s problems. We want to make it clear; uncaring private sector investment is the reason we are where we are.
“Many of our derelict properties have private owners, and have had planning permission granted, yet they are still neglected.”
The pair say they support a more proactive approach, including direct investment and community-led initiatives, such as the potential creation of a Community Benefit Society.
They highlight several projects already delivered or in progress, including funding towards the Playzone at Sandham Gardens, the creation of the Bay Business Association and a recent Town of Culture bid.
In recent weeks, they have also pushed for Sandown Town Council to purchase land in front of the Ocean Hotel, which they say would give the community greater control over a key seafront site.
Paddy Lightfoot & Alex Lightfoot, Together for Sandown councillors, have said:
“In the last few weeks we have pushed for the Town Council to get directly involved by purchasing the strategic strip of land at the front of the Ocean Hotel.
“This purchase gives the community a direct say in what happens with a prime piece of seafront real estate.
“We both fully support the recent Town Council decision to explore compulsory purchase orders.”
It seems we have discord in sandown, two town councillors known for causing division on the council and with very obvious and deep seated sociallist ideas wish to take to the very marginal bigger stage and influence matters at county hall, piece of advice, do try and read the room, the country is already sick to the back teeth of sociallism less than two years into this government .If you are convinced of your destiny please resign from the town council before the elections and see how you fare, do not be surprised if very few vote for you.
The only division in Sandown Town Council is between our county councillors and the remainder of the council
Look at the great job being done in East Cowes by
Cllr Love.
Fully hands on, East Cowes are lucky to have such a
person in charge.
Just filed the Deformers leaflet where it belongs,
in the bin.
Lol
Let’s hope they succeed