'Absolute Misery': Councillor Calls For Action On Abandoned Cars Blighting Ryde Streets

An Isle of Wight councillor has called for urgent action to tackle abandoned vehicles he says are causing "absolute misery" for residents across Ryde.

Speaking at Ryde Town Council on Wednesday evening, Councillor Michael Lilley raised concerns about a growing number of derelict vehicles being left on roads across the town, some with smashed windows, slashed tyres and even reports of rat infestations.

The Ryde Appley and Elmfield representative said the issue has been repeatedly overlooked and warned that communities are being left to live with the consequences.

Highlighting one example, Cllr Lilley pointed to two vehicles parked in Rink Road opposite Simeon Recreation Ground, which he said have remained in place for a considerable period despite being in a poor condition.

He told fellow councillors the vehicles have damaged windows and tyres, while rats have reportedly been seen living inside them.

The councillor also expressed concern that young people had been spotted entering some of the abandoned vehicles, raising potential safety issues.

Cllr Lilley argued that current rules make it difficult to remove vehicles when owners continue to acknowledge ownership, even if the vehicles appear unroadworthy and abandoned.

He claimed the problem extends beyond a handful of cases, estimating that between eight and ten abandoned vehicles have become an issue in Ryde over the past two years.

Fellow councillor Ian Stephens agreed the issue needed addressing but suggested it would be more effective to tackle it at an Island-wide level through the Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils (IWALC).

He said abandoned vehicles, including vans, campervans and trailers, have been a long-standing problem and argued that wider discussions involving the Isle of Wight Council and other organisations would be needed to bring about change.

Binstead and Fishbourne councillor Ian Dore also backed calls for further discussions, saying the issue could be raised during upcoming talks involving the Highways PFI contract.

Meanwhile, Councillor Diana Conyers questioned whether IWALC would have sufficient influence to resolve the matter, suggesting the responsibility ultimately lies with County Hall.

The debate comes amid growing concerns from residents about the impact abandoned vehicles can have on neighbourhoods, including visual blight, anti-social behaviour and public health concerns.