Calls For Ryde Town Council To Do More To Support High Street Businesses

Ryde Town Council is facing calls to take a more active role in supporting the town's businesses amid concerns over the growing number of empty shops on the high street.

Speaking during Tuesday evening's meeting of the council, resident Paul Wyatt urged councillors to work more closely with local businesses to help attract investment, improve marketing and strengthen Ryde's town centre.

Mr Wyatt pointed to other town and parish councils on the Isle of Wight, including Newport and Carisbrooke, Bembridge and Cowes, which he said already work alongside businesses by producing promotional maps and leaflets.

Earlier this year, he raised concerns about the increasing number of vacant retail units in Ryde and suggested creating a panel to better understand the challenges facing local traders.

He has also previously said the town needs a thriving centre that encourages new businesses while supporting those already established.

Addressing councillors, Mr Wyatt said he had recently met Zoe Thompson, who leads the We Love Ryde business initiative, which is backed by the Ryde Neighbourhood Board (RNB).

He questioned whether the council was doing enough to support local businesses, asking:

"You said that the Ryde Neighbourhood Board stepped in and they've come up with some money.

"Is that all we're prepared to do, or are you prepared to let them take on the hot potato and deal with it?"

Mr Wyatt added that there was significant scope for promoting Ryde and said the town council should play a greater role through both its councillors and officers.

He also highlighted the council's Place Plan committee, which is considering improvements to public spaces across the town.

"I'm sure all our councillors will agree that business and hospitality are vital for a town and residents," he said.

Responding, Ryde Mayor Karen Lucioni said she sits on the Ryde Neighbourhood Board and would arrange a meeting with Ms Thompson to explore how the town council could support the We Love Ryde initiative.

Councillor Ian Stephens said he believed it was "a very good idea" for the council to back both Ms Thompson and the wider business community.

Councillor Pippa Hayward also highlighted the importance of developing a long-term vision for Ryde alongside the Ryde Neighbourhood Board and the Isle of Wight Council.

She said the business community should be a key part of that plan, alongside young people and other groups across the town.