Derelict Hotels And Missed Cash - Sandown Controversy Sparks Political Clash

Political leaders on the Isle of Wight have hit back after a community group accused them of letting Sandown “rot.”

Together for Sandown criticised council bosses and MPs for the town being left out of the government’s £5 billion Pride in Place regeneration programme, calling it a “failure of political leadership.”

The group said Sandown faces the “exact crisis” the scheme is designed to tackle and called for an urgent appeal to government ministers.

Council leader Phil Jordan acknowledged that parts of Sandown face “real and pressing challenges” including deprivation and neglect, but stressed the Pride in Place funding isn’t intended to repair privately owned buildings.

He said government awards are based on their own criteria, aimed at long-term community investment — improving public spaces, boosting pride, and creating economic opportunities.

Joe Robertson, Isle of Wight East MP, echoed concerns over Sandown being left out.

He highlighted the recent ICON report, which ranked East Wight as the second most “left behind” constituency in the UK.

Robertson said he has been lobbying ministers and working with local groups on projects including the Sea Pool, re-wilding education, and Sandown Town Hall for young people.

The MP also raised Sandown at last week’s Conservative Party conference, where plans for 100% business rates relief for shops and pubs were announced — a move he says could “make a meaningful difference” to the town’s High Street.

Robertson concluded that Sandown’s exclusion from Pride in Place has strengthened his case to government, and promised to continue pushing for the funding and support the town “deserves.”